Soccer: New FA chief backs use of TV replays

LONDON - The new chief executive of the English Football Association believes video replays should be used to determine whether the ball has crossed the goal line.

Brian Barwick takes up the post in January after leaving his job as controller of sport at the UK's ITV television network.

"It will be sheer folly not to use TV action replays in cases where there are doubts over whether the ball crossed the goal line," Barwick was quoted as saying in the Sunday Express newspaper.

"It would be more difficult to use TV evidence on other decisions because the pace of the game is a crucial element."

Attempts have been made to introduce technology into the game including the development of a ball containing an electronic chip which would set off sensors beyond the goal line.

An FA spokesman told the newspaper: "Brian starts with the FA on January 31 so obviously his comments are in a private capacity. We believe FIFA are vehemently opposed to this suggestion."

- REUTERS