Introduction: Goal Line Technology in Football
The Football Goal Line Technology (GLT) or also known as “Goal, not goal” technology is, without a doubt, an action of using technology in football refereeing that has almost total acceptance, unlike the “Video Referee”, the “VAR” technology, which raises many controversies.
What is GLT for?
The GLT system can be used to check whether a goal has been scored, and thus support the referee in making a decision.
If GLT is used, modifications to the goal structure may be allowed in accordance with the specifications stipulated in the FIFA Quality Programme for GLT and the Laws of the Game. The use of GLT must be provided for in the competition rules.
GLT Principles
The GLT applies only to the goal line and only to determine when a goal is scored.
The indication of a goal being scored must be immediately and automatically, within about one second, confirmed only to the match referee by the GLT system, (via the referee’s watch by vibration and visual signal).
GLT requirements and specifications
If GLT is used in competition matches, its organizers must ensure that the system is certified according to the following standards:
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FIFA Quality PRO;
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FIFA Quality;
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IMS – INTERNATIONAL MATCH STANDARD.
Goal Line Technology Test
An independent testing institute must rigorously verify the functionality of the various technology vendors’ systems according to the Testing Manual.
If the technology does not work according to the Test Manual, the referee cannot use the GLT system and must report this incident to the appropriate authority.
When GLT is used, the referee shall test the functionality of the technology prior to the match as set out in the FIFA Quality Program in the GLT Testing Manual.