The Football Association could introduce goal-line technology for the start of the 2012-13 season if tests progress well - though time will be tight for the system to be implemented.

23874 - FA step closer to introducing goal-line tech

A number of possible solutions are currently being considered after FIFA made a U-turn and gave the green light. But the FA will only bring goal-line technology into the English game if they are satisfied it is reliable.

One of the systems on trial, 'Goalminder', is due to be analysed in front of FIFA's testers at League One club Rochdale's Spotland home ground on Wednesday night.

Nine systems are being tested by a FIFA-employed authority with a final decision on which one might be used due to be made by the game's law-makers in July.

FA general secretary Alex Horne believes that ongoing tests could be completed, and given FIFA approval, in time for the start of next season.

"It's possible we could see [goal-line technology] in the Premier League as early as 2012-13,'' he told the BBC. "It's easy to make mistakes and we've all seen examples where the referee and assistant referee can't see if a ball has crossed the line or not. We need to support them in decision-making.

"Whether there is enough time for the technology to be bought, paid for and put into any league or competition for next season, I'm not sure," he conceded. "It would be really tight - but it might be possible for next season.''

However, it is more likely that the technology will first be used in the 2013-14 campaign.