Hawk-Eye boss hoping for 'phantom goal' to test tech

WIDELY used to settle potential flashpoints in tennis and cricket among other sports, Hawk-Eye's goal-line technology is set for its first runout at the Club World Cup in Japan.

Being deployed at the FIFA tournament alongside competing company GoalRef - installed in Yokohama - the Hawk-Eye system gets its turn in today's quarterfinals in Toyota.

FIFA, initially reluctant, finally gave the go-ahead for technology to be used after Frank Lampard's infamous disallowed goal for England against Germany at the 2010 World Cup.

Hawk-Eye's managing director said yesterday that he was hoping for a controversial goal-line incident for Hawk-Eye to be able to demonstrate its accuracy.

"We're definitely hoping for a Luis Garcia moment," Steve Carter said, referring to the "ghost goal" which knocked Chelsea out of the 2004-05 Champions League in the semifinals. "Hopefully we can have a phantom goal to prove to the world it works.

"Hawk-Eye doesn't interfere with the ball, goals or posts. We think it is important for technology in sport to be as non-invasive as possible."

The technology was demonstrated at Toyota Stadium yesterday, with "perfect" results, Carter added.

Hawk-Eye relies on seven high-speed cameras set up at different angles covering each goal to calculate decisions in a split second to the referee through a vibrating wrist-watch.

GoalRef uses a microchip coil inside the ball and low magnetic waves around the goal.

Email Story    Printable View    Blog Story    Copy Headline/URL