Smartball not for Germany
Monday 5 December 2005
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The smartball will not be used at this summer's World Cup (©Getty Images)
World football's governing body FIFA has ruled out the use of smartball technology at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, saying the system needs more testing to prove its reliability.
Not yet ready
"We consider the technology is not yet ready," FIFA general secretary Urs Linsi said on Monday. The smartball, developed by adidas with German partners, is designed to rule out errors on goalline decisions and was tested at the FIFA U-17 World Championship in Peru.
Logical consequence
It had been due for further live testing at this month's FIFA Club World Championship in Japan, but FIFA said on Monday it would not be used at the tournament. "The logical consequence of this is that it will not be used in Germany," Mr Linsi explained. The official World Cup ball will be unveiled during the draw ceremony on Friday.
Further development
A statement by adidas carried on the official FIFA website said: "In consultation with FIFA, it has been decided to focus on the further development and testing of the system before using it at tournaments on the highest professional level.
Revolutionary new shape
"The adidas match ball for the 2006 World Cup, that will be unveiled at the draw in Leipzig, will be the technologically most advanced football ever made. It features a revolutionary new panel shape allowing players significant improvements in accuracy and control."
Lima debut
The adidas smartball made its debut at the Under-17 championship in September. It contains a microchip that sends out a radio signal when the ball crosses the touchline. That signal is relayed by antennae positioned in the corners of the pitch to a computer which then sends a message to a watch on the referee's wrist in less than one second.
Test again
Linsi said the plan was to test the ball again, pending approval from the International Football Association Board, football's lawmakers. "I think that after the first experiment, the system as a system and the idea as an idea were positively received [by International Board members]" he said.
Two challenges
"But the players don't just touch the ball, they hit it, and the ball goes on to hit the bar. The chip must stay in the middle of the ball and give a signal to a watch in a second. This is more complicated than people think. The technology must be sophisticated and reliable. They are the two challenges."
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