Sandrock and Fandel welcome the decision to introduce goal-line technology

The 18 clubs in the Bundesliga have voted for the use of goal-line technology in the top-flight, having previously voted against it. The two-thirds majority needed to pass the legislation was comfortably reached – 15 of the 18 Bundesliga clubs voted for the introduction of goal-line technology at today’s meeting in Frankfurt am Main. Only three clubs voted against the idea of giving the officials technical assistance. The technology will be introduced into the Bundesliga at the start of the 2015/16 season.

The clubs voted to adopt the Hawk-Eye system after consultation with the Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL). The system is commonly used in tennis and is currently used in the England Premier League. “I believe that this is a step forward for German football and will help the referees,” said chairman of the supervisory board Dr. Reinhard Rauball.

Hawk-Eye, made by a British company, offers a clear, easy and simple method of deciding whether the ball has or hasn’t crossed the line. The system is based on a number of co-ordinated cameras. 14 cameras are placed strategically in the stadium roof (seven aimed at each goal-line) and they track the movements of the ball throughout a match. When the ball crosses the goal-line a signal is sent to a watch worn by the referee to indicate whether a goal has or hasn’t been scored.

Reaction to the introduction of goal-line technology

Helmut Sandrock (DFB General Secretary): Today is a good day for our referees. The decision to implement goal-line technology is logical and the correct one. We’ll now consider whether we’re able to adopt the technology in the DFB Cup.

Herbert Fandel (Chairman of the DFB Referee’s Commission): On behalf of all Bundesliga referees and the DFB Referee’s Commission I would like to congratulate the clubs on the decision they made today. It’s a huge step forward in ensuring that the most important decision a referee has to make will be correct – goal or no goal.

Dr. Felix Brych (FIFA Referee): I have said for years that referees are for the use of goal-line technology. The benefits of its uses were clear during the World Cup in Brazil and it was positively received. I am delighted that the wish of the referees has finally been granted. It will help make our job easier and eradicate mistakes. I am personally delighted to see that such modern technologies are finally going to be used in Germany.

Felix Zwayer (FIFA Referee): I welcome the decision to implement goal-line technology. It is going to help us referees and all those involved get the key decisions right. It will be a black-and-white scenario: Was it in, or not? The technology has helped everyone in football so I’m sure it will in Germany. It will eliminate mistakes from referees and lessen the amount of criticism they are subject to.

Florian Meyer (Bundesliga Referee): I am happy with today’s decision- the technology gives us plenty of support and makes out job easier: Human errors is possible but now we will know for certain whether to give the goal or not. The technology will benefit everyone involved in German football: Players, backroom staff, supporters and referees.