Fifa President Sepp Blatter has apologized (!) for the terrible referring that led to Frank Lampard’s disallowed goal against Germany on Sunday. Even bigger than Sepp Blatter admitting fault, which is huge in and of itself (it’d be like Apple saying sorry over the iPhone 4 fiasco), is the news that Fifa will once again investigate the possibility of goal-line technology at a board meeting on July 1.
It’s getting harder for Fifa to ignore calls for goal-line technology. (And to be clear, that’s all I’m asking for right now. I’m not asking for NFL-style instant replay for every single moment on the pitch.) The international players’ union, FifPro, has called for the introduction of goal-line technology—hard to organize international tournaments if the players are upset!
Even UK PM David Cameron has called for goal-line technology.
Said Blatter:
It is obvious that after the experiences so far at this World Cup it would be a nonsense not to reopen the file on goal-line technology. Yesterday I spoke to the two federations [England and Mexico] directly concerned by referees’ mistakes. I have expressed to them apologies and I understand they are not happy and that people are criticizing. We will naturally take on board the discussion on technology and have the first opportunity in July at the business meeting.
I need to pinch myself: Blatter actually makes sense!
So the drama continues, but at the very least it looks like Fifa may be turning around.