Ten goal-line technology systems to be tested

BERNE, (Reuters) – Soccer’s rule-makers will consider  the results from tests on 10 different goal-line technology  systems when they meet for their annual meeting in Cardiff next  month.

Stray dogs and players’ tights will also be on the agenda of  the International Football Association Board on March 5 but  technology will doubtless command the fullest attention after  the issue was revived during last year’s World Cup.

The IFAB had dismissed the use of goal-line systems one year  ago but the debate was re-ignited by England’s disallowed goal  in the World Cup second round match against Germany, when  replays showed the ball clearly over the line.

FIFA said yesterday the proposed systems would be tested  next week by the Zurich-based research institute EMPA.

The use of video technology, which could help the referee  decide on a handball or offside decision, will not be up for  discussion in Cardiff.

The IFAB will hear an update on the so-called five referees  experiment — which features an extra linesman behind each goal  and is being touted as an alternative to the use of goal-line  technology — and the possibility of using it at Euro 2012.

UEFA president Michel Platini is a fervent supporter.

The meeting’s agenda includes seven relatively minor  proposals for rule changes, ranging from the colour of players’  tights to the unlikely event of the ball bursting when a penalty  is being taken.

The law governing players’ kit currently states that “if  undershorts are worn, they must be of the same main colour as  the shorts”.

The new version inserts the word “tights” after undershorts  and, if passed, could avoid controversies such as the one last  year involving Bayern Munich’s Dutch winger Arjen Robben, who  wore grey long-johns under his red kit.

The IFAB also wants to give referees clearer guidance on how  to handle stray dogs, unofficial balls and other objects on the  pitch.

One proposed change could prevent unscrupulous coaches from  disrupting play by having spare balls thrown onto the field  while the opposition is attacking, a tactic that has been used  in South America.