SFA frustrated at FIFA blocking of goal-line technology

Scottish Football Association chief executive Gordon Smith would introduce goal-line technology to the game if only FIFA would vote in its favour.

The issue has come to the fore again after officials decided a Nacho Novo shot did not cross the line in Rangers' 1-1 Clydesdale Bank Premier League draw at Hibernian on Wednesday night.

Smith said in the Daily Mail: "The issue of goal-line technology was on the agenda at the first International Football Association Board meeting I attended last year. They had done experiments and it looked great.

"But as soon as we had a vote on it, right away the four FIFA delegates lined up against it.

"I couldn't believe it because the system seemed 100% infallible to me. There was a chip placed inside the ball that would only indicate when all of the ball had crossed the line.

"If it's a goal, it shows up on a watch being worn by the referee. I think officials would be open to that idea.

"In March, I raised the issue again but was told it was on ice. Unfortunately, that's the end of it until it gets six out of eight votes from the IFA Board - only then can it go forward.

"There is no way we can bring it in ourselves, even if we wanted to, because the IFA Board is responsible for setting football's laws."