FIFA will next week launch tests into 10 companies' goal-line technology systems which, if successful, should lead to the principle being adopted at a meeting of the game's law-makers in March.
The Zurich-based research institution EMPA will carry out the tests between February 7-13, FIFA have announced.
Each system will have to demonstrate they meet the criteria of being 100% accurate, and can relay the decision automatically to referees within a second. The results will then be announced at the meeting of the International FA Board meeting at Celtic Manor, near Newport, on March 5.
It is expected that if some of the systems do prove they meet the criteria then FIFA will consent to the principle of goal-line technology being approved, with the next step being an experimental phase in selected competitions.
The tests will take place behind closed doors at FIFA's headquarters and at least one British company will be taking part. It is not clear whether that is Hawk-Eye, the firm that operates systems in cricket and tennis, as the company have refused to confirm whether they are part of the testing programme.
Companies that are expected to take part include Adidas/Cairos, whose microchip inside a ball system has been tested by FIFA before, plus Swiss watch firms Longines and Tag Heuer.
The IFAB meeting will also hear results of the ongoing experiments of having an extra assistant referee behind each goal-line which UEFA are using in the Champions League and Europa League. UEFA will also apply for permission to use the system in the Euro 2012 finals.
UEFA president Michel Platini will be one who speaks out against goal-line technology at the IFAB meeting in March.
Platini said last month: "With additional referees you don't need goal-line technology."
Source: PA
