Goal-line technology could start next season says Premier League chief Richard Scudamore

Goal-line technology could be brought in halfway through next season, according to Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore.

Goal-line technology will be used for the first time in an English football match today during the Hampshire Senior Cup Final between Eastleigh FC and AFC Totton.

FIFA will rule in July whether the technology will be allowed across the world and the Premier League are keen to implement one of two systems after a controversial season for referees.

This term Clint Hill was denied what looked like a goal when the ball appeared to have crossed the line at Bolton and Juan Mata was awarded a goal in Chelsea's FA Cup semi-final against Spurs that should not have been given.

It had been anticipated that the technology would be introduced at the start of the 2013-14 season, but Scudamore now thinks the system could be in place by the middle of next season, providing FIFA give it the green light this summer.

He said: "The original position was that we would only introduce it at the beginning of a season, but having thought it all through there is some possibility of introducing it mid-season if we get it right."

Scudamore insists bringing in one of the two systems bidding for the tender - Hawk-Eye and GoalRef - would not cause too many problems.

"The law is not changing - the question is still about whether the ball has gone over the line or not," Scudamore added.

"When we are ready to go, we can go with it.

"The fact we have got a better way of detecting it means there is some possibility of introducing it mid-season if we get it right."

One hurdle the English game must overcome is how much the system will cost and Scudamore insists the Premier League will not be held to ransom over goal-line technology, should it be sanctioned.

"We have got to negotiate the price. It is a business decision and we have got to negotiate proper deals," said Scudamore, who was speaking yesterday at the Premier League 20 Seasons Awards in London.

"There is a cost to the competition so it is a business decision, not a commercial enterprise."

PA