World soccer governing body FIFA said Tuesday that both venues for the upcoming Club World Cup in Japan will employ goal-line technology for the first time to assist game officials.
The Hawk-Eye system, using high-speed video to track balls in flight, will be installed at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama in time for the Dec. 6 clash between new J. League champion Sanfrecce Hiroshima and New Zealand's Auckland City FC.
The Goalref system, which uses a microchip implanted in a ball, will be used at Toyota Stadium.
Both systems have already been approved for games by FIFA, but are required to undergo a test after installation to determine whether they are in proper working order.
"Only once the systems pass the installation test, will FIFA give the green light for the respective systems to be used in the eight matches of the competition," FIFA.com said.
Prior to kickoff, officials will once more check that the system is fully functioning.
Reds won't renew Popo
KyodoUrawa Reds have decided not to offer Brazilian striker Popo a new contract for next season, the J. League club said Wednesday.
The 34-year old Popo joined Urawa this year after two seasons with Vissel Kobe. He has scored five goals in 26 league and cup appearances for Reds.
The former Kashiwa Reysol forward has a total of 27 goals in 136 games in the J. League first division.