By: Solomon Wise, 2024 February
GLT determines whether the whole ball has crossed the goal line with the assistance of an electronic devices which assist the referee in awarding a goal or not. In association football, a goal is scored if the whole of the ball crosses the goal line between the goalposts or under the crossbar, so the GLT assists the referee in difficult situations to tell if a goal has been scored before a rebound, saves or a defender’s clearance in a goal area.
The technology was first implemented in 2014, the system uses 14 high-speed cameras mounted in the stadium under the roof and the cameras are used to create a 3D animation to visualize the decision.
HISTORY
The premier league were first working with the hawk-eye in 2006 after an agreement with International Football Association Board (IFAB) to test the system but it was ruled out in 2008 by the same IFAB. Then the introduction of GLT with several trials took place between July 2011 and July 2012, the technology was introduced to football to avoid controversial goal decisions such as Frank Lampard’s ‘ghost goal’ against Germany in 2010.
Since the implementation, the rules have been changed into the four laws of the game which are:
- The field of play- permitting modification to the goal frame.
- The ball- permitting the use of approved balls.
- The referee- requiring the referee to test the GLT system before the match.
- Determining the outcome of a match- to verify whether or not a goal has been scored.
When a goal is scored the system confirms within one second and communicates its information to the match officials via vibration and visual alert on the ref’s watch. One of the GLT criticisms from the fans is impacting the flow of the game in that fans can fully celebrate the goal once confirmed to avoid disappointment later.
The Confederations Cup was the first tournament to use the GLT and the first goal to be awarded by the technology was a match between France and Honduras in the 2014 World Cup where Benzema was awarded the goal.
What are your best or worst moments since this technology was introduced in football?
