Groundbreaking Day for Premier League as Hawk Eye Selected to Provide GLT & FFP Approved

Goal Line Technology (GLT) provider Hawk-Eye has been chosen  to provide GLT to the Premier League next season, just weeks after being snubbed by FIFA.

English company Hawk-Eye were in the running to provide GLT for the Confederations Cup and World Cup in Brazil 2013 and 2014, but FIFA chose German counterpart GoalControl.

The company has now been chosen to provide their services for the Premier League, with the decision finalised at a League meeting on Thursday.

Hawk-Eye’s technology is set to be installed in stadiums over the summer at a cost of £250,000 per ground.

Premier League Chief Executive, Richard Scudamore, said: “The Premier League has been a long-time advocate of Goal-line Technology, and at times it didn’t look like it would be something we would be able to introduce. However, since FIFA took the decision to permit it we have been working hard to get a system in as soon as practically possible.

“Football is fundamentally a simple game; whichever side scores most goals wins. So, when one is scored, or indeed not scored, and we have the ability through technology to definitively know whether the ball crossed the line we should absolutely use it.

“Principally it is about getting it right. Fans, players and managers exhort, strain and stress respectively for their teams to score or prevent goals being scored, so we as administrators should do all that we can to ensure the correct decisions are being made.

“Of the four companies that are currently licensed by FIFA, Hawk-Eye stood out for their excellent track record in delivering for sport over many years. The fact it was a camera-based system was critical. Replays will be made available to all our host broadcasters and we are examining the feasibility of them being used on in-stadium big-screens. It is essential that fans see the system in action to know that it is working.”

Paul Hawkins, inventor of Hawk-Eye, said: “Hawk-Eye is delighted to be the partner that the Barclays Premier League trusts to deliver accurate and reliable Goal-line Technology. We understand the responsibility that we have been given, and that the real challenge lies ahead in consistently delivering the technology that football deserves.”

Hawk-Eye were chosen over GoalControl, who were awarded the World Cup and Confederations Cup tournaments.

Hawk-Eye was sold to Sony two years ago and provides their service to tennis and cricket competitions.

The FA hope the technology will be in place for the Community Shield in August.

FFP Approved for Premier League

Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations will be introduced into the Premier League after the move was approved in a meeting in London.

Fourteen clubs voted in favour, five against and Swansea abstained, meaning the two-thirds majority needed was met.

It means that there will be wage restraints and a cap on losses, which if breached could lead to a points deduction.

For clubs whose wage bill is more than £52m, an limited increase of £4m per season for the next three years will be in place.

The restrictions apply to income from TV revenue and not from sponsorship or ticket sales, meaning these can still be spent on wages.

The ceiling when the wage increase restrictions begin is £52m next season, £56m the following year and £60m after that. Only seven clubs in the Premier League fall under this as it stands.

Clubs will also be restricted to announcing losses of £105m over three years.

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