Goal-line technology to be introduced in AFC Champions League quarters

The goal-line technology would be introduced for the first time in Asian football in the upcoming quarter-finals matches of the AFC Champions League, the Asian Football Confederation said on Tuesday.

The goal-line technology is basically a visual graphic that confirms if the ball has crossed the line or not and helps the on-field officials to take a decision on allowing, or disallowing, a goal.

AFC said it is considering extending its use in AFC Cup, AFC U-23 Championship and ultimately the 2019 AFC Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates if the system proves successful this year.

The Additional Assistant Referee (AAR) system -- as the goal-line technology is known -- would be implemented from the last eight stage of the AFC Champions League to the final, "aiming to strengthen the support for referees and enhance the decision-making process, particularly in the penalty and goal-line area", according to the AFC.

The referee, two assistant referees and fourth official will be joined by two AARs, who will be positioned along the goal-line in each half, reports Xinhua news agency.

The use of the AAR was approved by the AFC Referees Committee in September, and AFC had organised the first AAR course in March, which comprised both theoretical training and on-the-field simulations.

--IANS

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