A HIGH-TECH Basingstoke firm is hoping to score a very big business win if football goal-line technology gets the go-ahead.
Hawk-Eye Innovations had its goal-line technology tested in a competi-tive match for the first time in last week’s Hampshire Senior Cup final.
The company, which employs around 50 people at its Jays Close offices in Viables, Basingstoke, had its system put through its paces in live conditions as Eastleigh played Totton at Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium.
The technology was not available to the match officials, though, with only an independent tester having access to the results.
A decision on whether goal-line technology will be approved for use is set to be made by the International Football Association Board at a special meeting on July 2. Hawk-Eye is vying with rival system GoalRef for the rights to be a licensed supplier if the green light is given.
Managing director Steve Carter said he could not rule out the possi-bility of the technology being used in the Premier League in 2012-13.
He added that Hawk-Eye, whose systems are already used in tennis and cricket, are well versed at installing their cameras in sporting venues.
Mr Carter said: “It is tremendously exciting, and it will be the highest profile and biggest sport we do if we’re successful.”
Hawk-Eye uses seven high-speed cameras at each end of the ground to calculate the ball’s position in three dimensions.
The company was established in 1999 and was acquired by Sony Professional in March 2011.
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