FIFA are to test an experimental scheme suggested by the legendary French forward Michael Platini where extra assistant referees will be stationed behind each goal.
The system, which will be tested next year, was announced today following a meeting between FIFA president Sepp Blatter and French football federation delegation. Blatter also confirmed the world governing body will consider proposals to allow clubs to make one signing each - a so-called 'joker' - outside transfer windows.
The experiment with officials behind the goal-lines is now likely to be on trial during the Confederations Cup in France next June. France, Brazil, Cameroon, USA, New Zealand, Colombia, Japan and one other team, yet to be confirmed, are taking part.
A FIFA statement said: "Pilot schemes will be introduced, notably positioning a referee's assistant behind the goal-line, as proposed by French Football Federation vice-president Michel Platini at a meeting of the FIFA Football Committee.
FIFA is looking into testing this concept at official FIFA competitions scheduled for 2003.
On transfers, the French delegation urged FIFA to adopt the system in use in their league when clubs can sign a joker when the window is closed.
The FIFA statement added: This issue will be studied in greater detail during the next meetings of the Players Status Committee, to be held in Zurich this coming Thursday and Friday.
The worldwide enforcement of the transfer window system has drawn criticism this summer, with English clubs notably opposed to its introduction. The Players' Status Committee will also reconsider proposals by the Football League for clubs in Divisions One, Two and Three to be allowed an exemption from the transfer windows systems.
The French federation also confirmed their intention to submit a bid to host the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2007. So far, the USA and Canada have also declared their interest in hosting this event.