Boyce against video technology

FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce says he is against video technology because penalty calls like the Ashley Young one are a "matter of opinion."

The subject of goal-line technology is again in the headlines after Chelsea were controversially awarded a second goal in their 5-1 win over Tottenham at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final.

Boyce is fully behind the introduction of that, but he maintains video technology on the whole is not suited to football.

He told Sky Sports News: "I have been an advocate of goal-line technology for over a decade now and honestly the sooner it is introduced the better.

"It is not only the controversy that happened yesterday (Chelsea v Spurs), there has been several of these over the years. That is a matter of fact. And whether it is a goal or not is a matter of fact.

"I am 100% behind goal-line technology and have been, but I am against technology for other decisions because they are a matter of opinion. I have watched the Ashley Young incident a number of times and that is a matter of opinion. I personally thought it was a penalty although maybe he did go down a little bit too easy.

"It has got to be introduced because it works in other sports. My second sport would be cricket and it works exceptionally well in cricket, it works in tennis, it works in rugby and quite honestly it's got to be introduced on 2nd July."

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has warmed to the idea of goal-line technology in recent seasons, and Boyce is hoping he can help influence the decision when the International FA Board meet in July to make a final decision on its introduction.

Boyce added: "Sepp Blatter was one of the people against it, but you have to remember it wasn't just FIFA, the four British associations were there as well. The big problem was getting it right. Getting a system that was quick and precise and a decision could be made instantly.

"So hopefully now after all the testing and after all these years, I think Sepp Blatter is now 100% behind it and not only him but I hope the whole international football board will get behind it and will now get the system that all the public want to see."

Boyce also feels that referees will support the introduction of goal-line technology to the game.

"I have been a delegate for many years for UEFA at various cup games and haven't spoken to one referee in all those years who said to me they wouldn't be happy with goal-line technology," he said.

"They are not happy with technology for other decisions, but not one of them said to me they wouldn't be happy with goal-line technology."

If the IFAB approve one of the two systems they will be presented with in Kiev this summer, goal-line technology could be introduced to the Premier League as early as next season.

The 68-year-old added: "I think if the system is approved on 2nd July, the system can be introduced right away, provided that system is available for kick-off which will probably be the middle of August."