England's Premier League and any others who want to introduce goalline technology got the go-ahead to do so from FIFA president Sepp Blatter on Wednesday, as long as the law-making International Football Association Board (IFAB) approves it next March.

Blatter opposed goalline technology for years and ended the debate on its future in March 2010, only to re-open it after Frank Lampard of England had a legitimate goal ruled out against Germany in the World Cup finals last year.

Blatter apologized for the officials' error a few days later, saying it was an unforgivable mistake and that goal changed his mind on the debate.

He said on Wednesday that as long as the IFAB approves an "accurate and affordable" system when it meets in London next year, any leagues that want to use it can do so from the start of the next season.

He also repeated his assertion that it would be used at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil if the IFAB approves.

Last week Richard Scudamore, the chief executive of the Premier League, said he wanted it to start in England from the beginning of the 2012-13 season, and it now seems likely it will.

Blatter, speaking at a news conference ahead of Saturday's preliminary round draw for the 2014 World Cup, said: "The international board will make their final decision next year.

"And if goal-line technology proves to be accurate and affordable then it is possible the international board will decide that it will be introduced at the World Cup in 2014, and if this is the case, other national associations and leagues will have the right to use it.

"This can be a new approach for the World Cup in 2014 to help the referee."

Reuters