Goal-line technology at World Cup 2014
Goal-line technology (GLT) will be used for the first time at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The company behind the technology is German-based GoalControl. The GoalControl-4D system works with 14 high-speed cameras (seven per goal) around the pitch at the stadium roof/catwalk, according to GoalControl. “The cameras are connected to a powerful image processing computer system which tracks the movement of all objects on the pitch and filters out the players, referees and all disturbing objects. The remaining object is the ball and the system knows its three dimensional x-, y- and z-position with a precision of a few millimetres in the coordinate system of the pitch. When the ball passes the goal line, the system sends a vibration and optical signal to the officials’ watches. Of course, all camera images of such goal event and also of all near-goal events, are stored and can be replayed anytime.”
FIFA and GoalControl recently held a media event to demonstrate how the technology works. The event followed on from the referees training session on 7 June at the Maracanã, which FIFA organises to ensure that all match officials are comfortable with the technology and to explain the pre-match procedure in more detail. The general functionality and accuracy of the system, and in particular the mandatory referee check, were important parts of this training.
“Goal-line technology will be a very big help,” says FIFA Head of Refereeing Massimo Busacca. “We have to remember it’s to see if it’s a goal or no goal, not other situations, but it will be in my opinion a really good support.”
GoalControl-4D has been installed across all 12 stadiums, each one having successfully passed the final installation test. As part of this testing, around 2400 GLT incidents had to be correctly indicated in various situations and conditions. This test is a standard procedure as part of the official certification process outlined in the GLT Testing Manual and ensures the system reaches the FIFA Quality Pro level required by the Laws of the Game.
GLT has been used previously at the FIFA Club World Cup 2012 and 2013, as well as last year’s FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil.
To read more about the technology, click here.
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