In this article, BraeckBall will answer the question does Bundesliga have goal line technology. The short answer is: Yes — the Bundesliga has been using goal-line technology (GLT) in its top flight since the 2015–16 season. The system uses cameras (Hawk-Eye) to instantly signal to referees when the entire ball crosses the goal line. Bundesliga 2, the second division, is set to roll out the same technology in 2024-25.
Below, BraeckBall dives into how GLT works in Germany, when it was introduced, what the benefits are, how it compares to VAR, and what fans should know going forward.
What is goal-line technology and how Bundesliga uses it
Goal-line technology is an electronic system that determines whether the whole ball has crossed the goal line between the posts and under the crossbar. In the Bundesliga:
- The system in use is Hawk-Eye, a camera-based system that tracks the ball using multiple high-speed cameras around the goal area.
- Once the technology detects that the ball has completely crossed the line, it sends a signal (within less than one second) to the referee’s watch or equivalent device. This ensures goal/no-goal decisions are quick and accurate.
- In addition to helping the referee on the field, the goal-line cameras’ feeds are also useful for video assistants (VAR team) to examine incidents inside the penalty area. cidents inside the penalty area.
History: When Bundesliga adopted goal-line technology
Here are the key moments in the adoption of GLT in German football:
- Bundesliga clubs voted in favour of introducing goal-line technology in late 2014, with 15 out of 18 clubs approving the measure.
- The technology officially came into effect from the 2015-16 Bundesliga season.
- For many years, only the top division (Bundesliga) used it. But in December 2023, Bundesliga 2 voted unanimously to bring goal-line technology into the second tier starting 2024-25, using the same set-up.
Why it matters: Benefits and impact
Using GLT in the Bundesliga brings several advantages:
- Accuracy in goal decisions — eliminates controversies over “ghost goals” or whether the ball fully crossed the line.
- Speed — decision is given in under one second, reducing delays.
- Fairness — ensures that goals are counted or ruled out in line with how the Laws of the Game define them.
- Support for VAR — while GLT only decides on goal line crossings, it complements VAR by giving additional camera angles and confirming goal-side situations clearly.
GLT vs VAR: Two technologies, different jobs
It helps to understand how goal-line technology and VAR differ:
| Feature | Goal-line Technology (GLT) | VAR |
| Purpose | Detects if full ball crossed goal line | Reviews broader infractions: offside, fouls, penalties, cancellations etc. |
| Decision speed | Very fast (instant to referee) | Slower — involves review by video officials; may take some time depending on complexity. |
| Scope | Only goal line crossing | Many kinds of game incidents |
| Visible to fans | Occasionally obvious (watch signal) but mostly behind scenes | Replays shown, visible decision process in stadium/TV |
In Bundesliga, GLT has been part of the officiating set-up since 2015-16, while VAR was added later (Bundesliga introduced VAR in 2017-18) to handle more situations.
Limitations and criticisms
While the system is robust, it’s not perfect:
- Cost: Installing cameras, integrating systems, maintaining hardware is expensive. This partly explains why lower leagues are slower to adopt. cer Talk)
- Installation & calibration: Each stadium must have the system installed properly; otherwise accuracy can suffer.
- Only solves line issues: GLT cannot help with offside, foul inside the penalty area, handballs etc. That’s where VAR steps in, but VAR itself has controversies.
What Bundesliga 2’s rollout means
With the 2024-25 season, Bundesliga 2 will implement GLT, mirroring the Bundesliga setup:
- Same configuration: seven high-resolution goal-line cameras.
- Operated by the same provider(s) via the DFL’s subsidiary and following recommendations by the league’s Football Commission.
This is significant because it spreads the fairness and accuracy benefits to a larger number of matches, not just in the top tier.
Common fan questions about Bundesliga’s goal line tech
- Is every Bundesliga stadium equipped with GLT? Yes — for the top flight, since 2015-16, all matches use goal-line technology.
- How accurate is it? Very accurate. Systems like Hawk-Eye are certified by IFAB / FIFA and are tested to very tight tolerances. Signal is delivered in under a second.
- Can VAR overrule a GLT call? No. A GLT decision is final and immediate. VAR reviews other issues, but not whether the ball crossed the line.
- Does GLT work in lower leagues in Germany? As of 2024-25, yes for Bundesliga 2. Lower tiers may adopt technology later, depending on cost and infrastructure.
Conclusion
Does Bundesliga have goal line technology? Yes — it’s been an essential part of German top-flight football since the 2015-16 season, with Bundesliga 2 following suit in 2024-25. The system delivers fast, accurate decisions in goal-line situations, improves fairness, reduces controversy, and complements VAR perfectly.
If you want, BraeckBall can also share a complete list of top European leagues that use GLT, compare systems (Hawk-Eye vs others), or show stats on how many goal-line calls are overturned by it. Want that?
