Goal-line technology could be implemented in Premier League by 2012

Frank Lampard's 'goal' against Germany at the 2010 World Cup forced Fifa to act (GETTY IMAGES)

Football Association general secretary Alex Horne has said goal-line technology could be used in the Premier League as early as next season.

Horne believes that ongoing tests into the accuracy of various goal-line systems could be completed, and given FIFA approval, in time for the start of the 2012-13 campaign.

"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."

Horne's assertions are at odds with comments he made just last month, however, when he claimed the testing would not be completed in time.

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

Horne admitted that the tight turnaround could prohibit the introduction for next season, adding: "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.

"It would be really tight - but it might be possible for next season."

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 tonight.

PA