SOCCER is on the verge of a technological revolution which could end arguments over controversial decisions by referees.

Radical new plans to be placed before the English FA later this month will suggest that match officials should rely on high-tech equipment to judge offsides.

Under the scheme, a tiny electronic tag would be attached to each player, and a metal coating fixed inside the cover of the ball. A metal grid under the pitch would pick up the positions of ball and players using radio waves. A fourth official in the stand would analyse the 23 moving dots on a computer to judge instantly whether a player is offside.

The idea is the most controversial recommendation in a report commissioned by the FA. The report's author, Professor Nigel Allinson of the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, believes that the system could be in use in top matches within three years.

Ken Ridden, director of refereeing at the FA said: "If there is technology available that can help referees in their decision-making... we've got to consider it."