FIFA president Sepp Blatter speaks during a media briefing in Johannesburg June 29, 2010. Blatter apologised on Tuesday for the refereeing mistakes that have blighted the World Cup and said soccer's governing body would look again at introducing goalline technology. [Agencies]

Calls for goal-line replays finally hit mark with FIFA chief

JOHANNESBURG - The furore over refereeing mistakes at the World Cup forced FIFA president Sepp Blatter into an about-turn on Tuesday, reopening the debate on the use of goalline technology.

The 74-year-old Swiss president of world soccer's governing body, who apologized on Tuesday for the errors made by referees this week, has been a stubborn opponent of technology for years.

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He effectively closed the door on further discussions about it three months ago at the annual meeting of soccer's law-making body, the International Football Association Board (IFAB).

Although he has again ruled out using video replays to help officials with decisions, such as offsides, he said technology such as the Hawk-Eye system used in tennis and cricket should be re-examined to determine if the ball had crossed the line or not for a goal.

"It is obvious that after the experiences so far at this World Cup it would be nonsense not to reopen the file on goalline technology," Blatter said at a briefing with selected media on Tuesday.

He was referring specifically to the incident in Sunday's England-Germany match at Bloemfontein when a shot from England midfielder Frank Lampard struck the bar and bounced down well over the line when England, chasing a comeback, were 2-1 down.

The goal was not given and Germany went on to win the second-round match 4-1.

Although there was a second controversial incident later in the day when Argentina scored from an offside position against Mexico in a match they won 3-1, Blatter emphasized no technology would be debated relating to video evidence for offsides.

He said: "We will look again at technology, goalline technology, at the business meeting of the International Football Association Board in Cardiff, Wales in July.

"The only principle we are going to bring back for discussion is goalline technology. For situations like the Mexico game you don't need technology."