‘Shame for Football’- Why La Liga Doesn’t Feature Goal-Line Technology as Xavi Makes Premier League Comparisons After Real Madrid Loss?

Last night’s El Classico was a wild ride. Real Madrid and FC Barcelona played a captivating 5-goal thriller, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side securing all three points with a 3-2 win at Santiago Bernabeu. Yet, controversy loomed large as one of Barca’s goals was disallowed due to the absence of goal-line technology in La Liga. The pivotal moment became a talking point as the aftermath saw Xavi express his frustration. While drawing Premier League comparisons, he bluntly responded, “It’s a disgrace.”

The Spaniard ranted over the absence of technology utilized in other top leagues. “If we want to be the best league in the world we have to advance in this sense, you have to put in the technology,” he added in the presser, as compiled by France24. Interestingly, he wasn’t alone in questioning the Spanish league, with Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen coming in support of his coach. 

“It’s shameful for football, I don’t have the words. There’s so much money in this world and there’s no money for what’s most important,” said the German international. Notably, the incident transpired in the 28th minute when Yamine Lamal redirected Raphinha’s corner toward the goal. There was uncertainty as to whether the entire ball had crossed the line before Real Madrid keeper Andriy Lunin cleared it away. Although Barcelona players protested for a goal, the match officials appeared indecisive.

The decision went to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), who, after numerous replays spanning over two minutes, determined that the ball had not fully crossed the line. However, this raises the question of why La Liga is not utilizing the technology that has already been maximally implemented globally.

Xavi and Barcelona would not be pleased to know why La Liga hasn’t implemented goal-line technology

According to reports, La Liga lacks the technology because President Javier Tebas is unwilling to cover the £2.6 million ($3.2 million) expense required for the vital changes. Remarkably, even the English second-tier league, the Championship, employs this technology. Meanwhile, other top-division leagues in Europe, including Germany’s Bundesliga, Italy’s Serie A, France’s Ligue 1, and the Netherlands’ Eredivisie, have fully embraced goal-line technology.

However, Spain stands out as the only country that has not adopted it, despite its introduction in the 2013–14 season in England. Interestingly, the technology came into effect after Frank Lampard’s infamous ‘ghost goal’ during England’s match against Germany in the 2010 World Cup. Nevertheless, it seems La Liga stakeholders are not interested in splurging even a single penny to get hold of the goal-line technology. But they should start considering the process. 

Otherwise, failure to do so will continue to result in such events, costing domestic teams crucial three points.