“Unfortunately, still with football, everything is modeled on the men’s game,” remarked  Emma Hayes, highlighting how the growth of women’s soccer continues to be shaped through the lens of the men’s version. A sad reality, considering that women like her in the sport have never stopped giving their all. But just for the sake of the argument, if we do follow that logic, everything—from regulations to operations—should function in women’s soccer just as it does in the men’s game, right? Well, that’s certainly not the case. Because if it were, we wouldn’t have witnessed such a controversial moment in a crucial UEFA Women’s Champions League match, all because of a missing technology that already exists in the men’s competition.

We hope you’ve heard of goal-line technology. For those doubtful, it is a system designed to assist referees with tight calls by determining whether the entire ball has crossed the goal line. Using high-speed cameras and electronic sensors, it instantly alerts the referee when a goal is scored, reducing human error and ensuring fairer outcomes in critical moments. While major domestic as well as international tournaments have all implemented this technology, guess who doesn’t have it? That’s right, the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

There’s a reason we specifically mentioned the women’s UCL, because, unlike the men’s soccer tournament, it doesn’t feature goal-line technology. Unfortunately, that absence came back to haunt Juventus Women in their recent group-stage clash against Bayern Munich, where a controversial late goal was awarded to the hosts, costing the Italians dearly. Left frustrated, Juve star Cristiana Girelli had a clear message for the tournament’s organizers regarding the missing technology that ultimately denied them a crucial result.

“I think we have to be proud of what we have shown this evening,” began Cristiana Girelli in the aftermath of the game on the CBS Sports W Golazo UWCL show. “Of course, we are a bit sad because we got the goal in the last minutes. And I’m not so sure that was a goal. It’s a pity because if you play this kind of competition, you need some technology over the VAR; we need it because now the level is high. So the technology has to be supported,” added the Italian forward, questioning the absence of the goal-line technology.

Other teammates, as well as head coach Massimiliano Canzi, also expressed their frustration over the incident. Well, it’s not surprising, considering they showcased significant grit throughout the game. Notably, the home side took a lead at the FC Bayern Campus Kunstrasen 1 within 11 minutes, courtesy of a goal from Pernille Harder. However, the Old Lady quickly responded within six minutes, as midfielder Eva Schatzer helped her side level things.

Both sides kept pushing each other’s buttons until the 90+4th minute, when substitute Lea Schüller scored the controversial winner that sealed Juventus’ defeat. While the Italian soccer team remained doubtful about the goal, pundits partially agreed, acknowledging the controversy as well.

Women’s soccer not having Goal-line technology is ‘ridiculous’

Speaking on CBS Sports’ W Golazo UWCL show, soccer analyst Darian Jenkins countered Cristiana Girelli’s claims, asserting that the goal was correctly awarded to Bayern Munich. “I’ll disagree with her [Cristiana Girelli]. This is a goal. This is a great effort to keep it out,” said Jenkins, highlighting the positioning of the ball and the player’s foot. She even gave the benefit of the doubt, suggesting that without goal-line technology, it was likely down to the referee’s decision.

To recall the incident, Bayern played the ball from the right flank into the six-yard box, where substitute Lea Schüller managed to flick it toward goal with her heel. At the same time, Juventus goalkeeper Pauline Magnin, who had dived to intercept, and Schüller both ended up on the ground. As the ball rolled toward the line, a Juve defender made a desperate sliding clearance, stretching her left leg to keep it out.

Although she appeared to succeed, replays suggested the ball had already crossed the line by then. Bayern players immediately began celebrating, while Juventus stars surrounded the referee in protest. After a brief pause and consultation with the assistant referee, the official blew the whistle, confirming the goal in favor of the hosts. Then again, what didn’t stand in the eyes of Darian Jenkins was that the absence of proper goal-line technology could have cleared the confusion in this soccer game instantly.

“It’s ridiculous that we don’t have this in the women’s Champions League. Oh, your watch doesn’t buzz. Like, I don’t get how that’s not been integrated yet,” said Jenkins.

A food for thought indeed. Regardless, share your views in the comments below.