Berlin: Germany’s top clubs on Monday announced they have emphatically voted to reject the introduction of goal-line technology, despite some controversial refereeing decisions here.
Only 12 of the 36 clubs in Germany’s top two divisions voted in favour of technology, well short of the two thirds needed to bring it into Bundesliga football, with cost being cited as the main reason.
“Since the clubs have waived this resource, until further notice, this topic is finished as far as we’re concerned,” German Football League (DFL) president Reinhard Rauball said in a Frankfurt press conference.
Goal-line technology has gained some support here, especially after Bayer Leverkusen won 2-1 at Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga last October with a now infamous “phantom goal”. Stefan Kiessling’s winning header went into the goal via a hole in the side netting, but referee Felix Brych allowed it to stand.
The English Premier League brought in “Hawk-Eye” technology at the start of the season and “Goal Control” will be used by Fifa referees at this June’s World Cup in Brazil.
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, chairman of European champions Bayern Munich, said it was an opportunity missed.
“Democratically, we have to accept it, but we regret the decision at FC Bayern,” said Rummenigge.
“We will have to live with bad decisions in the future and there’ll be no point harping on about it [goal-line technology] when that happens.”
Herbert Fandel, chairman of the DFB’s referee commission, said Germany’s referees had wanted the technology to come in and hopes “one or two” clubs will now be less critical of future decisions.
Thomas Tuchel, coach of Mainz 05, was bewildered by the decision.
“For me, it is incomprehensible that it’s been rejected, I can’t understand it,” said the 40-year-old.
And Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp said Germany should have followed England’s example.
“If something is introduced, then it should be in all professional leagues,” he said. “If it’s affordable and helps, then I am all for it.”
