No goal-line technology until 2013

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore has confirmed that goal-line technology will not be introduced until 2013 at the earliest.

FIFA are due to make a decision in July on the introduction of goal-line technology with two systems currently being tested.

English football has been beset with a number of goal-line incidents this season, and the calls have been growing for its introduction.

But because the Premier League season would start within just a month of the FIFA decision, should it be positive, Scudamore admits that they would not ‘logistically’ be able to implement it.

Scudamore said: “It’s imminent and we’ll look to put it in front of our clubs as soon as we practically can in terms of implementation.”

“But it is unlikely to be for next season given the time scales involved – FIFA approving it and the start of our season for time, many logistical things would need to happen so unlikely for next season but as soon as we can.”

Meanwhile, Scudamore insists that the Premier League have no regrets about the Blackburn ownership issue.

“We don’t sit here regretting that the owners bought the club,” he said of Venky’s.

“What you do regret for them and the Blackburn fans are the performances of the team that led to them being relegated.

“But people can’t possibly expect us to sit in London running clubs.”

Scudamore added: “We put a framework in place for owners to run clubs and they passed all the financial rules.

“The decisions they made were for them to make. It’s harsh but that’s the ultimate reality.

“I think there’s very little danger that Blackburn as a club will be threatened, but the idea I can give the fans any comfort regarding the future success of the club is out of the question.”

However, Scudamore urged Blackburn fans to look to Newcastle for hope.

He said: “Mike Ashley made unpopular decisions but they are on the brink of qualification for European football.”