Testing for goal-line technology to continue

The International FA Board (IFAB) is meeting in Newport with goal-line technology top of the agenda, but with some fearing the issue may be shelved after the failure last month of 10 systems to pass tests regarding speed and accuracy.

However, Fifa appear keen to pursue the search for a solution and have even indicated they may fund further trials. Fifa executive committee member Chuck Blazer, one of the body's delegates to IFAB, said: "It has got to be reliable, quick and affordable and nothing has worked at the moment. If anyone can meet that criteria I continue to be open to it. I don't have a problem with keeping the testing open until we get something that works."

FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke said yesterday the world governing body are "ready to pay for" further tests.

The goal-line system developed by British company Hawkeye was not one of those tested and Fifa have given them assurances that they are still under consideration.

The IFAB is made up of the four British associations, who each have one vote, and Fifa who have four. Any law change needs at least six votes in favour.

The Welsh and Northern Irish FAs, which until now had backed Fifa in opposing any technology at all, are now also leaning towards supporting more tests on goal-line systems. The 10 systems all had to demonstrate they were 100 per cent accurate and that they could transmit the result to the referee within a second of a goal being scored.

Bolton manager Owen Coyle said goal-line technology could have turned the World Cup on its head due to Frank Lampard's famous disallowed goal. Coyle said: "England were cruelly treated, they really were, because if the goal-line technology had been there then who is to say they would not have progressed and how far they could have gone. So for me that sums up the whole thing."

The issue of snoods is also on the agenda for IFAB with Fifa calling for a discussion on whether they could pose a safety risk if opponents grab the neck-warmers when players are running at speed. Fifa also want the IFAB to insist that if players wear tights then they should match the colour of the shorts. Another item is to clarify the rules for referees to stop play when an object - such as another ball, or an animal - comes onto the pitch.

This follows the incident last season when Darren Bent scored for Sunderland against Liverpool with the ball deflecting in off a beachball. The Football Association will ask IFAB to consider the use of 'vanishing spray' by referees to mark out the line where a defensive wall should not cross.

This is common practice in Brazil and South America where officials use a spray to prevent the wall encroaching on the 10-yard gap at free-kicks. The spray evaporates after a minute.