FIFA: Goal-line technology possible next year

Goal-line technology could be introduced in national leagues as early as next July, according to FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

FIFA have thus far resisted calls for the introduction of the technology but several high-profile incidents, including Frank Lampard’s disallowed goal in England’s defeat against Germany at the 2010 World Cup, have seemingly swayed football’s governing body.

Blatter has revealed that a decision will be made at the meeting of the International Football Association Board next March, with technology potentially in place by July.

“We will have on the next international board at the beginning of March next year a final decision on the goal-line technology,” Blatter told reporters in Rio de Janeiro.

“If it will prove to be accurate and to be affordable, then it is possible the international board will decide goal-line technology shall be introduced for the World Cup 2014.”

Nine companies are reportedly in talks with FIFA over supplying the equipment, with the governing body insisting that the technology should relay a final decision to the controlling referee within a second of a line-ball decision.