Goal Line Technology?

FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke said Friday that a decision to introduce goal-line technology for soccer matches could be made within the next 12 months.

Debate has raged for some time about the use of technology in soccer, and events at the World Cup in South Africa have prompted FIFA, the sport's governing body, to examine the subject once again.

England's Frank Lampard was denied a legitimate goal against Germany when his shot came down off the crossbar and bounced over the line, only for officials to wave play on as goalkeeper Manuel Neuer gathered the ball.

Valcke told Sky Sports that he recognized such mistakes cannot be allowed to happen again and said FIFA was considering changes for future World Cups.

A possible alternative to goal-line technology is to station additional assistant referees behind each goal line -- a system trialed in last season's Europa League competition.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) will make a final decision on the use of extra officials in 2012, but goal-line technology could be given the go-ahead sooner.

Asked whether there would be changes to the refereeing system before the next World Cup in 2014, Valcke said, "There is a real chance. For the additional assistant referees, the final decision will be at the IFAB in 2012, for the goal-line technology, any time."

Valcke added that while he would support goal-line technology, his own personal view was that video replays should not be used for other decisions, such as offsides.

"The goal-line technology I am fine with, but the video replays I don't like. I think it would kill the game," Valcke said. "Sure it would help the referees but it will kill the game."