Professional Soccer Will Be Ruined by Goal-Line Technology

Some people think soccer is a slow low-scoring game. That is mostly true, but it's not all about scoring. Most soccer matches have around three goals per game. And of course, teams can tie zero-zero (a scoreless draw.) Zero-zero may not always be a "non-event" as most Americans see it. Soccer fans enjoy action since goals are rare. Action includes build-up plays, penalty kicks, red cards, controversial events not seen by the referee -- but goals are exciting too. 

European football fans (there is no "soccer" in Europe)  appreciate that there is one 15-minute stoppage (halftime) for the entire 90 minute game. There are no referee challenges, or commercial breaks in the middle of the game. When the play stops, fans know it will restart soon and the action will continue.

But the new "hawk-eye system" introduced by the English Premier League could possibly change this. It is a series of cameras around the stadium to determine if the ball crossed the goal line or not. Before it was just the referee's eyes. About five times a season, the ball crosses the goal line and bounces out for a variety of reasons, but no goal is awarded. The hawk-eye system is intended to end the controversy between what is a goal and what is not a goal --  but this "electronic referee" and will certainly slow down the game. Soccer has always accepted that the referee "calls it like he sees it" and this new technology will change the nature of the game.  

Likely coming soon will be sideline technology, instant foul replays and a start-and-stop clock. Now, like American football and basketball,  there will be commercial breaks during all this checking. No fan wants to see the game commercialized like this. 

Another problem is that European soccer is an open competition. And while the richest teams can afford it, others will not be able to. So how will that work? Will small teams be forced to leave their hometown supporters to have matches where the technology is available? 

I hope FIFA continues to resist this technology and continues to support the referees of the game.