FIFA have ratified the decision by UEFA to use goalline officials in the Champions League for the next two seasons.

The introduction of the extra officials was first announced by UEFA in May for the the elite club competition and Euro 2012 international qualifiers. At a meeting of the International Football Association Board in Cardiff this afternoon, the addition was upheld.

The move follows the successful trial of the system in the Europa League last term - which will also continue next year. This saw the traditional referee, two linesman and fourth official joined by an extra body behind each goalline.

At their post, the officials are tasked with helping the referee to decide on penalty box incidents and whether the ball has landed in the net. The argument about change was re-opened at World Cup 2010 when Frank Lampard's effort was incorrectly ruled out in the 4-1 second round defeat when it had clearly landed over the line.

FIFA also confirmed that no discussions about the implementation of video technology will take place until the organisation's annual general meeting in October.


Source: Goal UK