Goal-line technology 'possible for 2012'

Goal-line technology could be used as early as next season in the Premier League, according to the Football Association.

The general secretary of the FA, Alex Horne, told the BBC that if one or more of the systems currently being tested works then the laws governing football are likely to change.

"I think goal-line technology would be a huge boost for the game," said Horne.

"For years we've thought this was a good addition to referees' armoury."

Nine systems are currently under review by an independent testing authority employed by Fifa. A final decision is expected to be made in July 2012.

Horne recently indicated he believed the 2012-13 season would come too soon to see goal-line technology adopted.

But his comments now indicate that a fundamental change to football's rules could be implemented by the start of next season.

"It's possible we could see [goal-line technology] in the Premier League as early as 2012-13," he said.

"It's easy to make mistakes and we've all seen examples where the referee and assistant referee can't see if a ball has crossed the line or not. We need to support them in decision-making."

Horne's stance was backed by Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish.

"I think anything that can help get the proper decision made is going to be very well received," said the Scot, who added that the technology might not be needed that often but said it would be "very important" nonetheless.

Fifa were previously opposed to the use of technology in football, preferring that decisions remained in the hands of match officials.

That opinion changed following England's game against Germany in the 2010 South Africa World Cup when Frank Lampard's shot on goal was wrongly adjudged not to have crossed the line.

Football's law-making body, the International Football Association Board, is due to assess the results of the current testing phase in March at a meeting in London.

Companies that have matched the strict criteria laid down by Fifa will then be invited to a second phase of testing which will take place between March and June 2012.