DFL chief supports new goal-line technology debate

German football league chief Reinhard Rauball is encouraging clubs to reconsider their objection to goal-line technology in the wake of an incident at the German cup final.

"I will be supportive if Borussia Dortmund chairman Joachim Watzke or representatives of another club make another goal-line technology proposition," Rauball told Monday's edition of the Sueddeutsche Zeitung.

Mainly citing cost concerns, 24 of the 36 first and second division clubs voted against the technical aid for referees from 2015 onwards in March and the issue was shelved for the time being.

But the debate started again on the weekend when a header from Borussia Dortmund's Mats was seemingly cleared behind the goal-line by Bayern Munich defender Dante.

The referee said later neither he nor his assistant were convinced that the ball was in. Dortmund would have led 1-0 with the goal. Bayern won 2-0 in extra time.

Rauball, who is also Dortmund president, said the issue could be back on the agenda immediately if desired.

Rauball said that he is against the use of additional assistant referees because "goal-line technology is the only way to have correct decisions in 99 per cent of the cases."

Goal-line technology is used in the English Premier League and will also be in place at next month's World Cup. The Italian and French leagues as well as Europe's ruling body UEFA with its Euro and Champions League showcase events use additional referees.