The Spanish LaLiga remains the only league among Europe’s Top 5 that has not yet implemented goal-line technology.
While its counterparts, including the Premier League, have successfully integrated this technology for nearly a decade, LaLiga continues to resist its adoption. The main reason behind this decision is President Javier Tebas, who deems the approximate cost of €3 million required for implementation to be excessively high.
The advantages of goal-line technology have been evident in leagues that have embraced it. In the Premier League, for example, its utilization over the past nine years has proven crucial in determining title outcomes.
ALSO READ: FIFA U20 World Cup: Flying Eagles face tough Argentina tie in Round of 16
An incident between Manchester City and Liverpool in January 2019 stands as a prime example. John Stones executed an exceptional goal-line clearance, with the ball being a mere 11 millimeters away from crossing the line. Thanks to goal-line technology, the correct decision was made, denying the goal and ultimately impacting the league title race in City’s favor.
ALSO READ: Leicester City set to lose Wilfred Ndidi, Maddison, 7 others following relegation heartbreak
The absence of goal-line technology in LaLiga has highlighted its shortcomings, as witnessed in recent events. In a match between Atlético Madrid and Espanyol, Atlético’s second goal was shrouded in controversy. It remained inconclusive whether the ball had fully crossed the goal line, yet the goal was awarded.
This contentious decision had significant implications, as Espanyol could have potentially won the game and secured three points instead of one. Unfortunately for them, this decision played a role in their subsequent relegation, emphasizing the magnitude of such situations.
Javier Tebas’s stubbornness to not fork out could be very costly for the league. LaLiga has been at the forefront for decades, and only 10 years ago was universally regarded as the best league in the world.
Following the departures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, the league took an inevitable hit, but now it is in danger of falling further behind.
Leave a Reply