UEFA approves goal-line technology for Euro 2016

(Shuji Kajiyama/AP)

NYON, Switzerland — Goal-line technology will make its UEFA debut at this year’s European Championship, and in the Champions League from next season.

UEFA said after an executive committee meeting Friday that it will give its referees more technical help at its top competitions. The decision did not commit UEFA to choosing a goal-line technology (GLT) provider.

FIFA used the GoalControl system at the 2014 World Cup. The German company and Britain’s Hawk-Eye system are widely used in European leagues.

UEFA will equip all 10 stadiums at Euro 2016 in France.

In the Champions League, the technology will be used in each match starting with the last qualifying stage — the 10-team playoff round in August — before the 32-team group stage.

The second-tier Europa League could be equipped from the group stage onward in the 2017-18 season, UEFA said.

Although UEFA President Michel Platini has been a long-time opponent of GLT, he had shifted position for Euro 2016 in his home country before his ban by the FIFA ethics committee.

At Euro 2012, match officials did not award co-host Ukraine a goal when the ball crossed the line in a 1-0 loss against England.

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