Goal Line Technology: International Board to halve margin of error

The IFAB (International Football Association Board, the body that governs the laws of the game) has approved halving the margin of error in goal line technology systems during the annual business meeting of the 24/10/2013, at the headquarters of FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) in Zurich (SWTZ).

The changes included in the new testing manual of 2014 relate mainly to effecting higher standards in terms of margin of error (plus or minus 1.5 cm instead of 3 cm) in goal line technology.

These changes were made after testing by FIFA at the FIFA Club World Cup 2012 (from the 06 to the 16/12/2012 in Japan) and the Confederations Cup in 2013 (from the 15 to the 30/06/2013 in Brazil). The Premier League has used the technology since the start of the 2013/14 season, and has shared its experience.

The 2014 manual will come into force in April 2014, with a transition period of six months so that the new facilities are tested. From October 2014, all goal line technology systems will have to be in accordance with the manual.

During the annual business meeting, some of the…