If MLS owners get their way, the league could become the first to employ goal-line technology and video replay of off-sides calls in competitive games. At least that's what Portland Timbers owner Merritt Paulson told the Sporting News in a recent interview.
MLS Owners Support Video Review Of Goals, Timbers’ Merritt Paulson Says
FIFA does not currently allow for goal-line technology, but MLS apparently itching to give it a try.
“It’s the right thing, and it will help the sport grow (in the U.S.),” Paulson said. “We’ve got sophisticated fans used to seeing improved officiating through technology in other sports. A lot of other owners that sit on the (MLS) board of governors share that view, and I know our commissioner does as well.
“It’s just a question of doing it in the right way by FIFA.”
Employing such measures is not as easy as wanting to make it happen, of course. MLS is not allowed to do anything nearly this drastic without the blessing of FIFA, and the world’s soccer governing body has not given any indication that such a move is imminent.
Still, it’s encouraging that this is at least being discussed at high levels of MLS. While human error is part of any sport, even baseball has come around to the belief that technology can be used effectively. Only using such measures on major plays, such as goals, would probably mean it is used less than once a game. Hopefully, FIFA sees some value with allowing a league like MLS to at least give it a try.
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