FIFA's rule-making committee, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved in principle goal-line technology was and it could be used for the first time at FIFA’s Club World Cup finals in Japan at the end of the year.

The technologies of two companies, Hawk-Eye from Britain and GoalRef, a German-Danish company, would be subject to further tests until a final decision was taken at a special IFAB meeting July 2.

The IFAB also agreed in principle to overturn the decision they took in 2007 and will now allow Islamic women players to wear a hijab, or headscarf, when they play.

A proposal from FIFA to allow a fourth substitute in overtime was withdrawn while further discussions will be taken regarding the “triple punishment” sanction when a player concedes a penalty, is sent off and faces a suspension for preventing a goal-scoring opportunity.