 Goal-line technology will be used at the World Club Championship |
Fifa has given the clearest indication yet that new goal-line technology will be adopted ahead of the 2006 World Cup. A microchip system to determine if the ball has crossed the goal-line was used at the Under-17 World Championships.
It will be given a second test when Liverpool take part in the World Club Championship in Japan in December.
Football's governing body is convinced that goal-line technology "could have a positive future" and a final decision is due on 4 March 2006 in Zurich.
A statement added: "Further improvements will be required to be made to this system following its first test in a competition environment."
The system was regarded as a success after a first outing at the Under-17 World Championships in Peru.
"It was tremendously exciting to see it actually in use," said Football Association director David Davies.
"We in England have always been more open-minded than almost anybody else on this subject.
"But I think there is unanimity that this project needs more work done on it.
"It would not be ready to use in a World Cup tomorrow for example. For me the crucial test is whether the referees regard it as an asset or a distraction."
The final decision on the World Cup will be made at the annual meeting of the International Football Association Board, the game's rulemaking body, in Switzerland in March.
Liverpool travel to Japan for the World Club Championships, which take place between 15 and 18 December.