FIFA have ordered goal-line technology companies to take out insurance cover in case clubs or leagues press for legal action claiming the systems are not working properly.
Hawk-Eye and GoalRef today received official authorisation to install their systems worldwide after being granted licences by FIFA.
Frank Lampard famously had a goal ruled out for England against Germany at the 2010 World Cup despite television pictures clearly showing the ball crossed the line.
Although the licences have been granted, the companies have had to provide insurance so that if the systems don’t work — either failing to spot the ball has crossed the line or registering wrongly that it has — they are covered if legal action is launched.
The FIFA rules on insurance for goal-line technology state: “This policy should provide sufficient insurance coverage for claims being raised by third parties due to the licensee’s activities or omissions as well as claims being raised due to potentially faulty products.”
The granting of the licences means the systems can now be installed, after which they will undergo a final inspection by an independent test before being allowed to function.
The first tournament using the systems is expected to be FIFA’s Club World Cup in Japan in December where Chelsea are expected to face Corinthians in the December 11 final.
