By DAN KARELL
Though not a done deal yet, goal-line technology will likely be used next season on one of the biggest stages in world soccer.
The Premier League clubs will meet on Thursday to discuss, among other things, the use of goal-line technology starting next season. FIFA recently selected a German company to handle the technology at the upcoming Confederations Cup in Brazil.
The FA’s general secretary Alex Horne is confident that the Premier League clubs will approve of the technology, which is set to be installed in Wembley Stadium as well.
“There are occasions [when GLT is needed] and we’ve seen them here at Wembley, we’ve seen them in World Cups,” Horne told BBC Sport, “we’ve seen them 11 or 12 times in the Premier League this season alone.
“So technology that says ‘yes, the ball has crossed the line’ and lets the referee know makes an awful lot of sense to me.”
Hawk-Eye, the technology used in tennis instant-replays, and GoalRef, are the two systems that are likely to be used by the Premier League.
Here are some more stories to start your Tuesday:
THIAGO SILVA IN PSG SQUAD AGAINST BARCELONA
Paris Saint-Germain defender Thiago Silva has been included in the squad for their trip to Barcelona on Wednesday.
The Brazilian missed PSG’s 2-0 win over Rennes on Saturday after picking up a minor injury in the first leg against Barcelona last Tuesday. However, despite not playing at the weekend, PSG manager Carlo Ancelotti has brushed off concerns, saying that the injury wasn’t a big problem.
Silva is the most expensive transfer ever for a defender, costing PSG €42 million ($54,751,200) to bring him to the Parc des Princes from AC Milan last summer. The 28-year-old was superb in the first match against Barcelona, leading France legend Laurent Blanc to call Silva the “perfect defender.”
NEVILLE TO LEAVE EVERTON IN JUNE
Since moving to Everton in 2005, Phil Neville has been one of the constants in David Moyes’ squad, serving as club captain since 2007. Starting next season however, Moyes will have to find someone new to fill that role.
The 36-year-old Neville has announced that he will leave Everton at the end of the season, ending an eight year run at Goodison Park. Neville will be traveling with England U-21’s as an assistant manager at this summer’s UEFA U-21 Championship in Israel, but when he comes back, he’ll be looking for a new club.
The six-time Premier League winner isn’t ready to retire just yet, saying he wants to keep playing top-flight football as long as he can. Since his announcement on Tuesday, many stars in English soccer have wished Neville luck on Twitter, including Teddy Sheringham, Joleon Lescott, and his brother, Gary Neville.
QUICK KICKS
At least eight people were injured in violent actions between Roma’s ultras and Lazio’s ultras before their derby match on Tuesday. (REPORT)
Manchester City’s David Silva is a doubt for Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea after limping off on Monday’s win over Manchester United with a hamstring injury. (REPORT)
Bayern Munich have been fined €15,000 ($19,560) for fans lighting flares and smoke bombs at a number of the team’s away matches. (REPORT)
Honduras will take on Israel in a friendly match on June 2 at Citi Field in New York City. (REPORT)
Swansea City have announced profits of £16 million ($24.5 million) between May and November 2012. (REPORT)
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What do you make of these reports? Do you think it’s about time the Premier League installed goal-line technology? Do you see Thiago Silva starting in Barcelona? Do you believe Phil Neville can still play in the EPL?
Share your thoughts below.