FIFA will make a final ruling on the possible introduction of goal-line technology at a special meeting on July 2, world football's governing body confirmed on Wednesday. FIFA said the decision would be made at a special meeting of football's rules making body, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), to be held on the day following the final of Euro 2012 in Kiev.
IFAB will review tests of goalline technology systems from eight companies at a meeting in England on March 3 before outlining the second phase of testing scheduled between March and June 2012, the statement said.
The March meeting will confirm the date of the July 2 special meeting "where a definitive decision on the future of Goal-Line Technology and Additional Assistant Referees will be taken" the statement said.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter was initially opposed to the introduction of technology but reversed his position following the 2010 World Cup, when England's Frank Lampard was denied a clear goal after a shot crossed the line by several inches against Germany only to be disallowed.
In an interview in December, Blatter said technology was inevitable.
"We'll do it. FIFA cannot accept a repeat of what happened in South Africa when a ball was 70cm over the line and was ruled out," he said, referring to Lampard's goal.
However UEFA president Michel Platini, seen as the favourite to succeed Blatter, is sceptical about technology, instead favouring the deployment of extra match officials behind the goal.
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