MLS decides against goal-line technology, cites high costs

MLS Commissioner Don Garber said the league would not install goal-line technology due to high costs. (Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

After saying that the MLS was "open to using goal-line technology as soon as it is made available," last year, the league has nixed those plans, according to the Associated Press. The reason was cost.

FIFA approved four systems: camera systems from GoalControl and Hawk-Eye, and magnetic field technology from GoalRef and Cairos. In February, FIFA said GoalControl's 4D system would be used for the 2014 World Cup, and the EPL said it would install the Hawk-Eye system next season.

GoalControl's system will cost an estimated $260,000 per stadium to install and an additional $3,900 per game to operate, a price that MLS Commissioner Don Garber said was "very, very, very expensive."

From the Associated Press report:

"It had us take a step back and pause and try to figure out is the value of having goal-line technology worth investing millions and millions and millions of dollars for the handful of moments where it's relevant?" Garber said. "And our view has been that we're going to wait and see how it works out. We certainly don't need to be the first league that has it."