Hawk-Eye chosen by Premier League

Published Apr. 11, 2013 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

British-based firm Hawk-Eye has been chosen as the provider of goal-line technology for the Barclays Premier League.

The camera-based ball-tracking system was recommended as the preferred option - rather than the German alternative Goalcontrol - at a meeting of the 20 top-flight clubs.

Hawk-Eye, which was sold to technology giant Sony two years ago, already provides camera-based systems for tennis and cricket, and its equipment is now set to be in place at Premier League grounds and Wembley Stadium from next season.

The Premier League provided seed money to help Hawk-Eye develop a goal-line technology system back in 2007, but there is no longer a formal relationship with the company.

League chiefs made their recommendation based on both cost and ease of implementation and use.

Earlier this month FIFA chose GoalControl, which is also a camera-based system, for the Confederations Cup in Brazil in June and next year's World Cup finals.

Two other systems, also German, have also been licensed by FIFA but they both use magnetic sensors rather than cameras.

Former Arsenal and FA vice-chairman David Dein, who has long campaigned for goal-line technology, claimed every top-flight referee in England was in favor of having a system.

He said at the Soccerex conference in Manchester: "The Premier League will be the first league in Europe to introduce it.

''I have been on this campaign for six or seven years and now it's going to happen.The referees need help, the camera will always beat the eye, and every referee in the Premier League is in favour of it.''