A new "bionic ball" is being tested at the soccer Club World Cup in Japan. MOREINFO: The ball contains magnetic sensors that enable referees to determine if it has crossed the goalline. It could soon be a regular feature at FIFA tournaments, its developers said on Thursday. If the prototype proves 100 percent reliable FIFA says it will use the bionic ball at the 2010 World Cup. Its co-designers Adidas and Cairos say it's worked well so far, adding that the ball was stress-tested to seven times the force of gravity. SCRIPT: Did it or didn't it? Soccer history is filled with fiery arguments and tales of woe of whether a ball crossed the goal line or not. For referees such disputes create as many enemies as friends, but a new bionic ball may be about to take the heat off them. The ball uses magnetic sensors and contains a microchip which sends signals to the referee's wristwatch stating if all the ball is a goal or not. International referee Mark Shield believes the technology will have a positive impact on the game. SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) MARK SHIELD, FIFA REFEREE SAYING: "I think that anything that can help the referee to make the right decision is a good thing. And technology in this case is obviously a beneficial thing for the referee because if this technology can signal a goal when a legitimate goal is scored then it is good for the game in general." Players in the Club World Cup where the ball is presently being tested are also in favour of it. SOUNDBITE (ITALIAN) ALESSANDRO NESTA AC MILAN DEFENDER, SAYING: "Taking steps to eliminate little imperfections that can be corrected is good - like did the ball go in, or not. I believe this is the right direction to be going in." The ball's developers say it could be soon be in use at international tournaments but the governing federation FIFA says it will only use the ball if it proves 100 percent reliable. Until then the, 'did it or didn't it' arguments will continue to rage. Michelle Carlile-Alkhouri, Reuters.
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Added: Dec 14, 2007 |
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