Goal-line technology will be used at the World Club Championship
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Fifa has given the clearest indication yet that new goal-line technology will be adopted ahead of the 2006 World Cup.
A microchip system to determine if the ball has crossed the goal-line was used at the Under-17 World Championships.
It will be given a second test when Liverpool take part in the World Club Championship in Japan in December.
Football's governing body is convinced that goal-line technology "could have a positive future" and a final decision is due on 4 March 2006 in Zurich.
A statement added: "Further improvements will be required to be made to this system following its first test in a competition environment."
The system was regarded as a success after a first outing at the Under-17 World Championships in Peru.
"It was tremendously exciting to see it actually in use," said Football Association director David Davies.
"We in England have always been more open-minded than almost anybody else on this subject.
"But I think there is unanimity that this project needs more work done on it.
"It would not be ready to use in a World Cup tomorrow for example. For me the crucial test is whether the referees regard it as an asset or a distraction."
The final decision on the World Cup will be made at the annual meeting of the International Football Association Board, the game's rulemaking body, in Switzerland in March.
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