Goal-line technology to be used in Championship play-off semis
Wednesday 12 April 2017 17:16, UK
The EFL has confirmed that goal-line technology (GLT) will be used at the Championship play-off semi-finals this year.
The news follows the decision to utilise the technology in the Championship next season, which was ratified at an EGM on April 6.
Originally scheduled for ratification at June's AGM, the proposals were brought forward to provide sufficient time to install the required technical infrastructure ahead of the start of the 2017/18 league campaign.
This earlier-than-expected start enabled the league to confirm on Wednesday that the four play-off semi-final matches played between May 13-17 will also have the system in place.
GLT assists referees and their assistants in making crucial decisions where there is doubt as to whether or not the ball has crossed the line, and has been operational at Premier League grounds since the 2013/14 season, as well as in selected League Cup ties and at all Play-Off Finals held at Wembley Stadium.
EFL Chief Executive Shaun Harvey said: "The introduction of Goal-line Technology is a significant step forward for Championship clubs and reflects the importance of the outcome of every single game in the division.
"We are extremely aware of the difficult decisions facing match officials and this will help PGMOL officials to make the right calls on goal-line incidents, even in the tightest of situations.
"Goal-line Technology has proven to be popular and effective in the Premier League as well as other mainstream sports. I am sure it will also become a welcome and useful addition to our broadcast coverage.
"It has already proved successful elsewhere in our competitions and I'm confident it will have a similar positive impact week-in, week-out in the Sky Bet Championship, starting with this year's Championship Play-Off Semi-Finals."
