Looks like goal-line technology

is on its way and will be with us soon. Earlier this month the International Football Association Board (IFAB), guardians of the laws of the game, laid down the conditions for introducing the technology and two crucial decisions were made. The decision about whether or not the ball has crossed the goal-line must be instantaneous, meaning there won't be any delays, and the decision will only be passed on to the match officials. This means there won't be any big screen fun and games announcing the decision to the crowd. Instead the ref will be able to blow immediately for a goal, if the technology tells him so, or do nothing at all and play on. The board threw out a proposal - presumably sponsored by the broadcasters - for communications between match officials to be broadcast. Presumably they would have to be x-rated anyway!