Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore claims that goalline technology could be implemented by 2012

Richard Scudamore, Premier League Chief Executive (PA)

Related Links

England could see goalline technology implemented in time for the 2012-13 season, if the Premier League’s chief executive Richard Scudamore is to be believed.

Goalline technology has been one of the most debated subjects around football in the last few years with Fifa coming under intense pressure to bring about changes after England’s Frank Lampard was not awarded a goal when the ball clearly crossed the line against Germany in the 2010 World Cup.

Scudamore understands that Fifa are open to the idea of the technology coming into play and claims the Premier League would install it now if they were allowed.

“The whole point of the game is about scoring goals. Players strain every sinew to either create or deny them, fans shout themselves hoarse exhorting their teams to score them, managers’ and players’ careers can be defined by them,” he said, according to the Guardian.

“The technology is available, it is the fairness that is important and the Premier League would introduce it tomorrow if it could. Now Fifa is constructively engaged we are hopeful the 2012-13 season is a realistic aim.”

Scudamore also hinted at changes at the FA but denied claims that football in this country is “broken”.

He continued: “Some would have it that football in England is somehow broken, irreparably damaged and in need of saving. That is an analysis of the game to which I cannot subscribe.

“Clearly, and by its own admission, the FA needs to address some structural issues that are no secret, as well as create a focus that means they can improve in their key areas of responsibility – the national teams, coach development and grassroots investment.

“However, the Premier League is a crucial part of the association of interests that engage and we have a duty to constructively engage with and support the processes already under way aimed at creating an organisation that can represent the best of English football at every level.”