The Premier League is pleased to announce that it has awarded Hawk-Eye, the world’s leading provider of vision processing instruments to sport, the contract to provide goal-line technology systems across its 20 member clubs and all 380 Barclays Premier League matches.
The camera-based system will be installed during the close season ready for use on the opening weekend of the 2013/14 Barclays Premier League season – Saturday 17 August. This will be the first time that goal-line technology is used in any domestic competition.
Here’s a look at how Hawk-eye will work:
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The system, similar to the one used at the Wimbledon tennis championships, is the preferred option recommended after a meeting of the 20 top-flight clubs.
A German system, GoalControl, had also been under consideration after submitting a tender.
However, the Hawkeye’s camera-based system will now be in place at Premier League grounds and Wembley Stadium from next season.
Hawkeye, which was sold to technology giant Sony two years ago, already provides systems for tennis and cricket.
Although the technology will be used in every Premier League fixture, it will have to be switched off for Champions League and Europa League ties because Uefa, whose president Michel Platini is a longstanding opponent of the use of technology, has not ratified its use.
The first day of the 2013-14 Premier League season will be the start of a new era of goal line technology – a development that has been a long time coming. Hopefully the Premier League will be a much fairer competition as a result.