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Platini hints at goal-line technology U-turn

FIFA president Sepp Blatter changed his mind on goal-line technology when Frank Lampard was denied a clear goal against Germany at the 2010 World Cup © Getty Images

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UEFA president Michel Platini has said he will consider bringing in goal-line technology at the 2016 European Championship.

Platini has said on numerous occasions in recent times that he is opposed to the idea and in September last year told the London Evening Standard newspaper: "You will never convince me on technology and I will not change at the age of 57."

Arguing that the systems are too expensive and cannot eradicate all errors from the game, Platini has instead shown a preference for additional officials behind the goals - even if he admits they often "do nothing" because of FIFA restrictions.

In an interview with Spanish newspaper AS, though, Platini has now said he would be open to the use of technology at Euro 2016.

"In the World Cup they are going to use goal-line technology, so I am asking myself if goal-line technology should be introduced at Euro 2016, but together with the five officials per game," he said. "That would allow those officials in the penalty area to focus on the plays in their part of the pitch, on the penalties, the corners, and we would all come out winning.

"Goal-line technology has been accepted by the International Board and I'm obliged to think about it."

FIFA president Sepp Blatter's long opposition to goal-line technology had come to an end when England midfielder Frank Lampard was denied a clear goal at the 2010 World Cup, and Platini suggested he has now followed suit.

"It is not a question of age," he said. "Blatter is older than me and, after having been against technology for many years, he has suddenly decided to be in favour. I was against the introduction of technology but now that it is there, let's see."

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