29 Jun 2010

Technophobe FIFA look ever more isolated

6:21 am on 29 June 2010

FIFA's refusal to use technology to help decide on close calls has left football isolated in major international sport.

The issue's come into sharper focus than ever after instant showed incorrect referees' decisions altered the balance of yesterday's second round World Cup matches.

England's Frank Lampard was denied a goal when the ball crossed the line in Germany's goal and Argentina's first goal against Mexico should've been ruled out for offside.

When a FIFA spokesman was asked for a response he could only refer reporters to recent statements from FIFA's President .

Sepp Blatter says the game must be played in the same way everywhere as its simplicity and universality is one of the reasons for its success.

Tennis and cricket use infrared systems to track the ball, while rugby, NBA basketball and American football use video replays.