Top 5: Reasons for Technology in Football

1. Football is the leading sport in the world and it needs to catch up

Played by 250 million people in over 200 countries, football is the most popular sport in the world. Unlike other sports however, it does not make the most of the advanced technological equipment that is available. The worry is that its introduction would affect the free-flowing nature of the game, but you just need to look at Rugby Union, who introduced the video referee almost 15 years ago to see how effective such a system can be.

Referee Martin Atkinson tests goal line technology in the goalmouth at Anfield – Photo: Simon Stacpoole/Offside.

Cricket also uses several forms of technology and the International Cricket Council (ICC) introduced the Umpire Decision Review System back in 2009. This system is used entirely to review controversial decisions and has received a great response from fans and critics alike. In comparison to football, the International FA Board has just rejected a proposal that would have allowed coaches and managers to appeal decisions during the game. Football is falling behind other sports. It needs to catch up – Fast.