UEFA approve goal-line technology for Euro 2016, Champions League in 2016/17

The technology, also used at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, has practically ceased the debate on whether a ball has crossed the goal-line.

It has still faced opposition since its inception - suspended UEFA president Michel Platini amongst that group - but its success in the Premier League and World Cup helped convince UEFA's Executive Committee.

After its outing in France, the system will be used from the play-off stage in the 2016/17 Champions League. It will also be considered in the Europa League from 2017/18.

However, the oft-criticised additional assistant referees will continue to monitor proceedings around the penalty area.

Earlier this month the International Football Association Board (IFAB) decided to recommend trialling video replays next season to help referees with questionable goals, penalties, red cards and cases of mistaken identity.

The IFAB will recommend to its AGM in March that trials are begun with a view to the system becoming law in two or three years.

Smart move, UEFA.

It won’t eradicate controversy, but with such high stakes the least technology can aid with is determining whether a goal has been scored. Referees get enough stick; a little help can go a long way.