English FA renews calls for goal-line technology

LONDON - Agence France-Presse

Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur players block a shot from Chelsea’s Juan Mata, which was controversially awarded as a goal, during the FA Cup semifinals.

English football’s governing body The Football Association has again called for the introduction of goal-line technology after a disputed goal in the FA Cup semifinal between Chelsea and Tottenham.

The call came after Chelsea went 2-0 up in Sunday’s tie when Juan Mata’s low shot hit a tangle of bodies on the Spurs’ goal-line. Referee Martin Atkinson awarded a goal but replays showed that the ball had not crossed the line. Chelsea eventually won the match 5-1. 

The sport’s world governing body FIFA will soon begin testing versions of the technology and the International FA Board is to decide on July 2 whether to introduce it.

The FA said it hoped it would give the green light to its use, saying that it “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 introduce as soon as possible”.

“No other single body has called as strongly for its introduction as the FA,” it said in a statement.
A number of Blues players including captain Terry admitted the goal should not have been given.