Professional Documents
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TECHNOLOGY
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION
IN COMPETITIONS
Table of contents 1
Table of contents
Foreword 3
Executive summary 4
1. Goal-line technology 6
1.1 Origins 6
1.2 Challenges for the referee 7
1.3 Developments since 2012 8
1.4 Laws of the Game 8
1.5 FIFA Quality Programme 11
As guardians of the game, FIFA serves and supports the world of football.
Our mission is to protect its spirit and values, upholding them in the best
way we can. We must embrace change and adapt to the needs and
challenges of the modern game.
“The success of GLT football more transparent and credible, improving the footballing
experience for players, match officials and fans, and making the game
in Brazil is something fairer for all.
we are proud of and I Goal-line technology (GLT) is one such aid, the use of which was
strongly believe that approved by The International Football Association Board (The IFAB) in
July 2012 following positive results from an extensive testing of several
every national league different technologies. Since its introduction, GLT has been successfully
implemented at four FIFA events: the FIFA Club World Cups 2012 and
and tournament could 2013, the FIFA Confederations Cup 2013 and most recently on the
benefit from the biggest stage of all, the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™.
Jérôme Valcke
Secretary General
4 Executive summary
Executive summary
This document serves both as a support for the included, so that readers will obtain a detailed overview of
implementation of goal-line technology (GLT) in football the various challenges involved in fulfilling the requirements
competitions and as a comprehensive guide to its of a certified installed GLT system. The three main chapters
development in recent years. It is therefore aimed mainly of this document are therefore structured as follows:
at competition organisers along with any other party
affected by the implementation of goal-line technology. The first chapter provides an overview of the development
The recommendations are based on the test phases from process of goal-line technology in recent years, The IFAB’s
2010 to 2012, FIFA’s GLT Testing Manual 2014 and previous decision on 5 July 2012 and its subsequent integration into
editions and practical experience gained from the use of the Laws of the Game and an explanation of the FIFA Quality
goal-line technology at the 2014 FIFA World Cup™, the FIFA Programme for Goal-Line Technology (including steps one
Confederations Cup 2013 as well as the FIFA Club World and two of the licensing and certification process), together
Cups 2012 and 2013. Additional experience from other with the obligatory referee check before each official match.
competition organisers has been included where available.
The second focuses on steps three and four of the licensing
The implementation of goal-line technology in football and certification process based on experience from FIFA
is based on a four-step procedure for the licensing and events during the 2012-2014 period. Each section in this
certification of GLT systems and installations. In addition, the chapter contains general information, experience from FIFA
final check of the installed GLT system by the referee before tournaments and a checklist. The latter serves as a guide
each match completes the quality assurance programme for to obtaining a certified installed GLT system and should
goal-line technology. therefore be completed by the competition organiser.
This process reflects the structure of this guide, the main The final chapter provides answers to the most frequently
focus of which is on steps three and four of the asked questions on goal-line technology and its
above-mentioned licensing and certification process, in implementation process. If you have any further questions or
which the competition organiser is directly involved. The individual requirements, please contact FIFA
experience gained from previous FIFA tournaments is also (quality@fifa.org).
The following four icons will guide you through the While every effort has been made to
document and should simplify understanding of the ensure the accuracy of the information and
licensing and particularly the certification procedure of recommendations contained in this document,
goal-line technology systems. any party that makes use of any part of this
document for the implementation of goal-line
GLT system test
technology (“User”) does so at its own risk
and FIFA shall have no liability with regard to
FIFA licence agreement
such use. Any use of this document constitutes
acceptance of the terms and conditions of this
installation and testing
disclaimer by such User. FIFA may update this
document at any time as it deems fit.
registration on www.fifa.com/quality
1. Goal-line technology
1.1 Origins
At its Annual Business Meeting on 20 October 2010, The
IFAB discussed the implications of measurement systems that
are capable of automatically detecting the scoring of a goal
during a football match (so-called goal-line technology or
GLT). Consequently, the IFAB laid down a set of four basic
requirements a GLT system has to fulfil:
• The goal-line technology applies solely to the goal line and Test at the Home of FIFA in Zurich (2010)
only to determine whether a goal has been scored or not;
• The GLT system must be accurate;
• The indication of whether a goal has been scored must
be immediate and automatically confirmed within one
second; and
• The indication of whether a goal has been scored will be
communicated only to the match officials (via the referee’s
watch, by vibration and visual signal).
1.3 Developments since 2012 Similar improvements were visible between the FIFA
Confederations Cup 2013 and the FIFA World Cup 2014™,
Since the introduction of goal-line technology in 2012, there where the accuracy was also well within the requirements
has been an update of the requirements manual (in 2014) following further development and more experience with
and the use of GLT in several hundred matches has shown the systems in the Brazilian stadium environment.
an improvement of the technology over time.
In addition to the technical improvement, positive feedback
The most notable change was the stricter accuracy was received from several FIFA committees : Karl-Heinz
requirement in the 2014 edition of the GLT Testing Manual, Rummenigge congratulated FIFA on behalf of the European
which now requires any system to function to a maximum Club Association for the introduction of GLT during the
margin of error of ±1.5cm (compared to ±3cm in the 2012 meeting of the Strategic Committee.
edition).
The latest tests from the English Premier League for the 1.4 Laws of the Game
2014-2015 season showed an average accuracy of ±3mm
across all stadiums, meaning that the values are well within The IFAB Special Meeting at FIFA’s Zurich headquarters on
the IFAB requirements. 5 July 2012 certainly lived up to its name, as the so-called
Awareness Technology
78% 95%
78% of respondents who were interested in 95% of those who were aware of GLT
football were aware of goal-line technology agreed that goal-line technology should be
following the FIFA World Cup™. used for all elite football matches.
Source: 2014 FIFA World Cup Post Event Research Source: 2014 FIFA World Cup Post Event Research
1. Goal-line technology 9
“guardians of the game” finally gave the go-ahead for goal- Law 10 – The Method of Scoring
line technology to be written into the Laws of the Game. (Interpretation of the Laws of the Game)
Decision 1 Decision 1
(…) (…)
Decision 2 Decision 2
(…)
Where goal-line technology (GLT) is used, modifications
to the goal frame may be allowed. They must be in
Decision 3 accordance with the specifications stipulated in the
Where goal-line technology (GLT) is used (subject to the FIFA Quality Programme for Goal-Line Technology and
respective competition rules), the referee has the duty according to the above description, “Goals”.
to test the technology’s functionality before the match.
The tests to be performed are set out in the FIFA Quality
Programme for Goal-Line Technology Testing Manual. If Law 2 – The Ball
the technology does not function in accordance with the
(Decisions of the International F.A. Board)
Testing Manual, the referee must not use the GLT system
and must report this incident to the respective authority.
Decision 1
(…)
In addition, the members approved the FIFA Quality
Programme for Goal-Line Technology and the associated Decision 2
Testing Manual, laying down the licensing and certification (…)
procedure for GLT. Furthermore, The IFAB approved
the following amendments so that GLT could be used Decision 3
via installations on the field of play (i.e. goals) or inside Where goal-line technology (GLT) is used, balls with
matchballs: integrated technology are allowed, but they must
either be “FIFA APPROVED”, “FIFA INSPECTED” or
“INTERNATIONAL MATCHBALL STANDARD” (see
“Decision 1”).
I think it is a fair solution. During the 2010 World Cup, I was there
when England scored a goal and the referee did not recognise it.
The referee will no longer harbour any doubts – in or out.
(Germany player Manuel Neuer, FIFA Ballon d’Or 2014 press conference, 12 January 2015)
1. Goal-line technology 11
this procedure. tests are applied to the GLT system to assess its functionality,
accuracy and wear and tear in the laboratory, on the field
and in simulated real-game situations.
In step one, the GLT provider has to meet various
application requirements and the test criteria of the GLT Step 2: FIFA licence
system test as defined in the latest GLT Testing Manual. Following successful application and the GLT
If the application is successful, FIFA will issue a standard system test, the provider will become a
licence agreement to the company in step two. In step licensee under the FIFA Quality Programme
three, the GLT system is tested again on completion of the for Goal-Line Technology upon signature by
installation. Based on the successful final installation test, both parties to the agreement. The provider is then
the competition organiser must accept and approve the permitted to install its GLT system in any stadium worldwide
installation. After final approval of the submitted documents for use in official matches. The name of the GLT provider as
by FIFA, the installation is awarded the FIFA Quality PRO seal a licensee and the system will be publicly accessible on
in step four of the licensing and certification process. www.fifa.com/quality.
FIFA referee Peter O’Leary (NZL) performing the final check of the system.
(i.e. the technology fails one or more tests), he must decide GLT system will be used or not in a match. Furthermore,
not to use the GLT system for the relevant match. Prior to after the final whistle, the match officials are obliged to
kick-off, the stadium operator, club, competition organiser inform the organiser of the competition if the GLT system
(as appropriate) or GLT provider must hand over the was used during the entire match and whether it functioned
matchballs and six referees’ watches to the match officials properly or its use was rejected by the referee during the
for the final check and the decision on the use of the match. Detailed information on this procedure can be found
installed GLT system. in the Testing Manual 2014 on www.fifa.com/quality.
The stadium operator must be informed immediately by the
referee once the decision has been made as to whether the
14 2. Implementation of goal-line technology
2. Implementation of
goal-line technology
Creating a comprehensive project plan is crucial to successful concerning goal-line technology. After performing a cost-
implementation of GLT in a competition. All the parties benefit analysis for this project, it is recommended that the
involved in the organisation of a competition in which organiser discusses and answers basic questions on the
goal-line technology is to be used should therefore be implementation of GLT for the competition in question.
included in an initial meeting before a detailed project plan These will help determine the required resources including
can be developed by the relevant department. Based on staff that will be needed before and during the competition.
the experience of the FIFA tournaments, FIFA recommends
arranging a kick-off meeting as a starting point to discuss After deciding on the combination of these different options
the following points with the relevant people and making a (many different permutations are possible), a legal basis
decision only after all the information has been gathered. must be established for the use of goal-line technology. As
defined in the Laws of the Game, the use of GLT must be
stipulated in the respective competition rules (Law 10 – The
2.1 Pre-planning Method of Scoring).
As a first step, the competition organiser should discuss It is also essential that a budget is allocated not only for the
the needs and opinions of the competition members installation of the technology but also for the running costs
of the system once installed. This cost calculation should be FIFA competitions: pre-planning
based on market information and include the following as a FIFA normally starts the preparation phase for GLT at least
minimum: six months before a small tournament (16 matches or less)
and up to 12 months ahead of a major tournament. All
Figure 4: cost calculation stakeholders of the competition who would be affected
1. Site inspection with GLT provider(s) by goal-line technology are involved in the implementation
2. Selected GLT system (rent/purchase) process and receive regular updates. A project plan is
3. Installation of system (temporary/permanent installation) developed with clear action points, a timetable and
4. Final installation test by an independent test institute dedicated responsibilities.
5. Travel and accommodation
6. Personnel costs (dedicated staff) Figure 6: pre-planning checklist
7. Education of referees (regular training sessions)
Identify the needs and requirements of the competition
8. Operation by GLT provider during competition
stakeholders regarding GLT
9. Maintenance of GLT system by GLT provider
10. Annual testing of GLT system by independent test institute Draft a cost calculation and identify the necessary
11. Other costs (depending on the type of competition) budget
12. Development of replays (if applicable)
Create the project plan with action points, timetable
and responsibilities
The above-mentioned points should be discussed in an
initial meeting with all involved parties and result in a
comprehensive project plan including a timetable, action
points and responsibilities. The final version of this document 2.2 Bidding procedure
will represent the guideline for the implementation of goal-
line technology in the competition. It should be available In order to obtain the desired quality and service at the best
for all involved parties and regularly updated by the relevant price, a tender process is highly recommended. The more
person/department. detailed the tender document and the earlier it is made
available, the higher the likelihood of shorter negotiations
Figure 5: stakeholders in GLT and avoiding unnecessarily high logistics costs. Such details
1. Department in charge of organising and running the may include required insurance policies, restrictions on
competition working in stadiums, customs and import duties or power
2. Proposed overall project manager supply in the stadiums. By being aware of the existing GLT
3. Refereeing department technologies on the market and their requirements (stadium,
4. Legal department for regulations and contracts infrastructure, matchballs, goals and general logistics), the
5. Finance department in charge of budgets competition organiser can pre-empt many issues when
6. TV/Broadcasting department regarding replays drafting the tender document.
(if applicable)
7. Media department
16 2. Implementation of goal-line technology
––Dates for potential visits or site inspections 3. Agreement on installation details (timeline, access
requirements, working requirements)
––Schedule of the tender process
4. Agreement on lines of communication between
5. Installation and operational requirements of the GLT competition organiser, GLT provider and stadium
provider management
6. Legal basis for the tender 5. Minutes of all the agreed points
Gather detailed information about the competition 6. Use of the competition organiser’s trademark
stadiums/matchballs and any other relevant details 7. Warranties and representations
Draft and issue a tender document with all available
8. Confidentiality
information
Organise a site inspection tour with the participating 9. Termination
companies 10. Liability
Compare the submitted bids and final installation 11. Insurance
documents
12. Security
Make a decision based on the individual needs of the
competition organiser
18 2. Implementation of goal-line technology
GoalRef installation
The following points should be completed before the
FIFA Confederations Cup 2013: concluding a contract relevant GLT provider arrives at the stadium concerned for
The project agreement signed by FIFA and GoalControl the installation of its system:
was based on the proposal submitted by the provider. The
agreement covered all foreseeable costs and was concluded Figure 12: clarification before arrival of the GLT provider
before the beginning of the installation period in April 2013. at the stadium
With responsibilities for both sides thus contractually agreed, 1. Determine a joint schedule for access to the stadium
both sides were aware of the required services and timelines. and the field of play
6. D
efine dates when the GLT provider can speak to local
experts about technical matters (e.g. cabling, camera
2.4 Installation period installations, power supply, set-up of LED boards, etc.)
2.5 Final installation test and made available by the test institute to the competition
acceptance of the installation organiser before approval of the installation.
As stated in the Laws of the Game (cf. 1.2.2), Please note that only positive test results of the final
a final installation test must be performed installation test can be approved by the competition
before the referee can use the system in a organiser.
competition. The final installation of a GLT
system has to pass the requirements which are defined in A list of accredited test institutes for final installation tests is
the latest edition of the testing manual (www.fifa.com/ available on www.fifa.com/quality. Should the competition
quality) and meet the approval of the competition organiser organiser wish to use a different (for example local) test
before it can be certified by FIFA. For this procedure, the GLT institute, a comprehensive training and accreditation session
provider will hand over the FIFA acceptance and can be organised (at the cost of the test institute to be
acknowledgement form to the competition organiser for the accredited). Such procedures may, however, take some time
appropriate signature. The results of the final test should be and should therefore be notified to FIFA well in advance.
On approval by the competition organiser, the (March 2014) and the newly-built venues for the FIFA World
document is submitted by the GLT provider Cup™ closer to the tournament (May 2014). Following this,
to FIFA for a final check of the documents all venues were certified for the tournament period starting
and certification of the installation. Finally, the in June 2014.
stadium with the certified installation will appear on FIFA’s
Figure 14: checklist for final installation test and
website www.fifa.com/quality. Only then may the GLT
acceptance of the installation
installation be used in official matches for a period of
Select an independent test institute for the final
12 months in the stadium in question. installation test (contract needed)
Agree on a schedule for the final installation tests
2014 FIFA World Cup™: final installation test and with the test institute, GLT provider and stadium
management
acceptance of the installation
Prepare the competition stadiums (stadium
All 12 stadiums of the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ had to be
management) for the final test
tested prior to the tournament. Following a tender process
Approve the final installation based on positive test
with all of the accredited test institutes, FIFA appointed results
Labosport Ltd to test the competition stadiums. Due to Submit the signed FIFA acceptance and
the additional logistics of certain stadiums being under acknowledgement form to the GLT provider
construction, a decision was made to test the stadiums Check whether the installation appears on FIFA.com
before the start of the competition
that had been used earlier at the FIFA Confederations Cup
it during a match. FIFA recommends having a dedicated 3. Demonstrate the accuracy of the system
training session comprising theoretical and practical sessions 4. Explain the referee’s watch in detail
on the pitch at one of the venues where the system is 5. Hand over a referee checklist for the obligatory referee
check
installed in order to get a feel for the system first hand.
6. Provide training in the referee check for all participating
referees
2.7 Competitions
For the integration of goal-line technology in the match
procedure, it is essential to work closely with the people who
are responsible for the tournament organisation. Depending
on the type of competition and matchday operations during
the competition, different aspects come into play. For the
Figure 18: official match report: match no. 10 – referee feedback on goal-line technology check
26 2. Implementation of goal-line technology
FIFA tournaments at which GLT had been deployed so far, out earlier than proposed in the GLT Testing Manual, but the
the FIFA Competitions Department, the FIFA Refereeing information on the use of GLT from the referee team should
Department and the broadcaster were involved and the be submitted to the competition organiser no later than 45
following challenges were discussed: minutes before kick-off.
6. Carry out a functionality test of the GLT system before 16.00 Kick-off of MATCH 2
the match starts (three to five hours before kick-off) 17.45 Final whistle of MATCH 2
7. Hand over the referees’ watches, matchballs and 18.45 Return of referees’ watches to GLT provider
referee checklist to the referee team when they arrive 19.00 Feedback by referee team to competition
at the stadium organiser
19.45 Feedback by GLT provider to competition
8. Wait for the green light by the referees after the
referee check organiser
the pre-match checks and acting as a liaison between the goal-line incident for spectators. As in other sports, this can
broadcaster and the General Coordinator in the event of any be done through replays and/or animations of the particular
issues. During all 64 matches, the system worked well and scene in question.
there were no operational issues.
The fundamental decision regarding whether or not to use
Figure 21: checklist for implementation in the competition or allow replays rests solely with the competition organiser.
Draft a GLT match countdown Replays are not part of the GLT system and as such not
Carry out a functionality test of the GLT system before compulsory when using such a technological aid. Should
each match
the tournament organiser allow replays to be shown,
Hand over the referees’ watches, matchballs and
several aspects must be considered:
referee checklist to referees
Monitor the referee check before the match
Monitor the performance of the GLT system during the Figure 22: checklist for GLT replays
match
Include the competition organiser, the broadcaster and
Return the referees’ watches to the GLT provider the GLT provider in the process
Analyse feedback from the GLT provider and referee Clearly define the technical set-up including the
team requirements for the GLT provider, the broadcaster, the
interfaces and the communication channels
Agree on the design of the replays (real image,
animation, sequences, etc.) and who will bear the
2.8 Replays of GLT incidents production costs
Clarify compatibility with broadcasting laws (especially
In addition to the use of GLT as a tool for the referee, in relation to commercial content or sponsorship)
there has been increased demand to use the information Decide on when and where replays are to be shown
(TV feed, stadium screens, etc.)
generated by the system to provide visual confirmation of a
GLT incident during the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ – match 24: Italy v. Costa Rica
GLT incident during the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ – match 62: Netherlands v. Argentina
3.3 Licensing and certification around four months. It does not matter which technology
the system is based on (e.g. camera-based as opposed to
How good are GLT systems licensed under the FIFA technology in the ball) as long as the test criteria of the GLT
Quality Programme for Goal-Line Technology? system test, which are defined in the GLT Testing Manual
All officially licensed GLT systems are subjected to a strict 2014, are passed. Detailed information about the application
regime of tests. The GLT system test comprises an extensive process and requirements can be found on
test on the field, in training sessions and in the laboratory. www.fifa.com/quality.
Furthermore, after a prototype has passed the GLT system
test, every installation is subject to another set of tests, the Technology develops quickly. Will companies have to
final installation test, which ensures that the installation submit to re-testing if their systems change?
concerned meets the same quality requirements for which As soon as any significant changes to the GLT system have
it was tested under the GLT system test. Thus before being been made, the entire system has to be re-tested. The GLT
used during a given match, the installed system has been licensee must inform FIFA immediately about any changes
tested in hundreds of situations and scenarios to ensure that to its licensed GLT system before installation. FIFA reserves
it works in all conditions. the right to decide, at its sole discretion, whether the entire
GLT system or certain elements of it should undergo the GLT
How soon can other companies be tested/potentially system test once again.
come onto the market?
Any provider of goal-line technology systems can apply for How long is a licence/certification valid?
the FIFA licence. One of the crucial application criteria is The FIFA licensing agreement with the GLT licensee is valid
to pass the GLT system test that is carried out by a FIFA- for two years and can be renewed after this period, whereas
accredited test institute (currently EMPA) and that takes the GLT installation has to be re-tested every year. It is
32 3. Questions and answers
important to understand that the certification period of How many test institutes are accredited?
a GLT installation is separate from the licensing period Due to the expansion of GLT and its increasing
of a GLT provider, i.e. the certification term of a GLT demand among tournament organisers, there are now
installation may be valid beyond the term of the licence four independent test institutes that have obtained
agreement between FIFA and the GLT licensee. In this accreditation to conduct the final installation tests.
regard, the GLT licensee or its customer can request a
re-test of the GLT installation in a stadium.
3.4 Replays on TV and on LED
How often do the systems need maintaining and by screens in the stadium
whom?
The maintenance frequency of a GLT system in a football Is it permitted to show replays on TV or in the stadium?
stadium depends on the technology. It is an obligation of Yes, it is permitted, but the decision of whether or not
the provider of goal-line technology systems to provide a to allow it rests with the competition organiser. The
detailed maintenance guide and appropriate maintenance question of whether and how replays are shown on TV or
equipment and to carry out a maintenance training on an LED screen in a stadium should be one of the first
session for its customer/stadium operator. Another option discussion points when starting the implementation of
is for the entire maintenance process to be carried out goal-line technology in a competition. FIFA recommends
by the GLT provider on a regular basis. This must be involving referees in this discussion as well, due to the
stipulated in the agreement between the GLT provider fact that the main objective of GLT is to support and
and its customer. protect the referee.
President: Joseph S. Blatter
Secretary General: Jérôme Valcke
Address: Fédération Internationale de Football Association
FIFA-Strasse 20
P.O. Box
8044 Zurich
Switzerland
Tel.: +41 (0)43 222 7777
Fax: +41 (0)43 222 7878
Internet: FIFA.com
Goal-line technology
Concept: FIFA
Photos: Getty Images, Action Images
Fédération Internationale de Football Association
FIFA-Strasse
20 P.O.
Box 8044 Zurich Switzerland
T: +41 (0)43 222 7777 F: +41 (0)43 222 7907 FIFA.com