Microchips in World Cup balls?

[Matrix Heart]

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) -- FIFA will consider using an electronic microchip inside soccer balls at the 2006 World Cup finals if the technology proves successful.

The microchip, intended to confirm whether or not a ball has crossed the goal line, will be tested at the under-17 world championship in Peru in September and October. FIFA (the Federation Internationale de Football Association) is the official governing body of international soccer.

"We will test the goal-line technology at the FIFA under-17 world championship in Peru. If it works OK, we could introduce the chipped ball at the World Cup 2006," FIFA president Sepp Blatter said Monday at the Confederations Cup, which starts Wednesday.

"We will run the test but I don't know that it will be successful," Blatter added. "But at least we are going to try it."

Blatter cited two games where rival teams have disputed goals.

At the 1966 World Cup final, a linesman ruled that Geoff Hurst's shot had hit the crossbar and bounced over the line for England's third goal against West Germany at Wembley.

Although the ball bounced back into play, the goal stood and England went on to win 4-2.

More recently, Liverpool was awarded a goal this season in the semifinals of the Champions League against Chelsea. The Blues, however, were convinced that defender William Gallas had cleared the ball off the line.

Liverpool won the game 1-0 and went on to win the trophy.

"There were 12 cameras at the game but nobody was able to say for sure if the ball crossed the line or not," Blatter said. "It's part of the game.

"Like the players, referees make mistakes. The only people who don't make mistakes are the spectators. The technology will take away the fun of discussing whether the ball went in or not. They will be missing out on something."

Another recent error came during a Jan. 4 game when Tottenham appeared to have scored against Manchester United in the 89th minute of a 0-0 draw. United goalkeeper Roy Carroll let Pedro Mendes' long-range shot slip through his hands and replays showed the ball about a yard over the line, but referee Mark Clattenburg declined to call it a goal.

[Don Seer]

great idea

would be very cool if we can see things like ball speed etc to see who can kick it the hardest/highest.. lol

[Matrix Heart]

great idea

would be very cool if we can see things like ball speed etc to see who can kick it the hardest/highest.. lol

This will eventually lead to crooked soccer balls with some kind of remote controls 

[...'BfCfC'...]

great idea

would be very cool if we can see things like ball speed etc to see who can kick it the hardest/highest.. lol

[Don Seer]

there was also a dodgy looking goal it the womens soccer england vs finland game the other day

[ecrazy]

great idea

would be very cool if we can see things like ball speed etc to see who can kick it the hardest/highest.. lol

They Used to have that in hockey back in the day, like an electronic puck, that showed the speed everytime they hit it

[Woozie]

"The technology will take away the fun of discussing whether the ball went in or not."

i cannot for the life of me stand this guy...

how does sum1 who doesnt kno ANYTHING about football get to be in such a powerful postion!? 

imagine your team got relegated because of a goal that never was - he would call that fun