Technology in cup games 'not certainty'

The Football Association's desire for goal-line technology to be introduced does not guarantee systems being used in FA Cup matches, even if approval is given in July, it can be disclosed.

Chelsea's 'ghost goal' against Tottenham in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final has thrust the controversy back into the limelight and the game's law-makers will decide on July 2 whether to approve two systems following final tests.

But the FA, while being strongly supportive of goal-line technology, have yet to make a decision on whether a system would be used in their prestige competition.

They are wrestling with the issue of whether it should be used in a competition where some clubs, for example in the Premier League, would have a system in place and others lower down the leagues would not.

FA general secretary Alex Horne said last month the issue was still being discussed, adding: "We have to think about it locally in terms of whether it is enforced in an entire competition or at specific entry points. I don't think we could force 763 clubs to introduce it."

The FA confirmed on Monday that it was still too early for a decision to be taken, but pointed out they had long supported the idea on the International FA Board (IFAB), where they hold one of eight votes.

An FA statement said: "The FA has led the calls at IFAB for the introduction of goal-line technology for over a decade, and we reiterate our desire to see it introduced as soon as possible. No other single body has called as strongly for its introduction as the FA.

"The FA is not responsible for the introduction of goal-line technology in isolation and awaits the outcome of the next IFAB meeting on July 2."

The systems being tested are a camera-based one developed by Hawk-Eye, the British company bought out by Sony last year, and GoalRef - a German-Danish firm who have a chip in the ball which is monitored by magnetic fields in the goal.

A GoalRef spokesman confirmed that their system would function even during the incident involving Chelsea and Tottenham, when Juan Mata's shot struck bodies lying on and over the goal-line, and said: "GoalRef is for just these sorts of situations."