Goal-line technology approved for 2013 Confederations Cup, 2014 World Cup

Somewhere in England, Frank Lampard is asking, “Where was this three years ago?”

Lampard was the victim of one of the most egregious and notorious episodes of referee blunder (and human error) that could have been remedied by goal-line technology; his “goal” against Germany in the 2010 World Cup was no such thing, never mind that it crossed the line that day in South Africa.

FIFA today confirmed today that modern goal-line technology systems will be in place for the 2014 World Cup. The systems, first used last December in the FIFA Club World Cup, will get a test-run this summer during the Confederations Cup in Brazil.

There could still be hitches as FIFA has issued only a “tender” for the two companies now approved to install and support the technology. Given past foot-dragging by world soccer’s governing body on this issue, today’s announcement hardly makes timely and successful implementation a slam dunk. It does, at least, represent significant forward progress.

The 2013 Confederations Cup is an eight-team event set for this summer, a quadrennial tournament employed largely as a dry run for the World Cup a year later in some of the same venues.

Look for further updates later on ProSoccerTalk.

(MORE: No goal-line technology for MLS in 2013)