Goal-line tech to get nod

Ghost Goal: Technology to make goal-line debates a thing of the past

Goal-line technology could be seen at a major competition as early as December if it is approved by the International FA board next week.

Sources from the board say that two systems, Hawk-Eye and GoalRef, are certain to get the green light after they passed numerous scientific tests, and could be in place in Japan when Chelsea play in the FIFA Club World Cup at the end of the year.

It will bring to an end the long-running debate over whether football should be altered to judge whether the ball has crossed the line, which has attracted differing views from all corners of the game.

But the IFAB are expected to stress that the systems must only be used as an "aid to the referee" rather than the "ultimate decision-maker" - the referee will still be able to overrule.

The revelation comes after FIFA president Sepp Blatter called for the introduction of technology in the wake of the 'goal-that-never-was' for Ukraine against England at Euro 2012.

Human error

But the decision will come as a blow to Michel Platini, who has maintained his stance that changing the game in this way would be an 'historical mistake'.

He has continued to back the use of extra officials rather than machines to make the decision.

But, with the not allowed goal in Donetsk taking place with Platini's fifth official standing just yards away, looking along the line, it became obvious that human error would always be a possibility.

Now HawkEye, which uses cameras, and GoalRef, which uses magnetic fields, look set to become integral parts of the game as soon as they are licensed, installed and tested.

The systems will need gain six votes from the IFAB to be accepted, with FIFA having four and the home nations having one vote each.