England to test Goal-line Technology during friendly match at Wembley

Goal-Line Technology (GLT) is to be tested live on June 2 when England hosts Belgium in a friendly match at the Wembley stadium.

A camera based system known as the Hawk-eye system will be installed at the national stadium for the match, and will be monitored by independent testers. However, the technology will not have an impact contentious goal decision during the match.

This will be the second live test following the test done earlier this month at Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium during the Hampshire Senior Cup final. The technology is expected to be approved by July 2 if the tests are successful.

There has been increased calls for goal-line technology with many controversial decisions marring a number of high profile games last season.

Chelsea player, Juan Mata was awarded a goal that did not cross the line when the Blues trashed Tottenham 5-1 in the FA Cup semi-final on 15 April.

QPR defender Clint Hill’s header crossed the line before Bolton goalkeeper Adam Bogdan pushed the ball back into play when Bolton defeated QPR 2-1 at the Reebok Stadium on 10 March.

Andy Carroll also believed he has equalised for Liverpool against Chelsea, when his header crossed the line in the FA Cup final.

FIFA said in a statement: "Such tests could lead to the International Football Association Board (IFAB) approving the introduction of GLT at its special meeting at the beginning of July.

"Only the EMPA observers, IFAB and FIFA representatives at Wembley will have access to the GLT system readings.

"Therefore, should a goal-line incident occur at this or any of the 'test' matches, the system will not be utilised by the match officials. It means the GLT system will have no influence on the outcome of the matches in which the system is being tested.

"FIFA would like to place on record its sincere thanks to the Football Association for their willingness to support the live match tests, a critical part of Test Phase 2 for goal-line technology."