FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke has given the strongest indication yet that goal-line technology could be brought into the game.
Frank Lampard's disallowed goal for England against Germany in their World Cup last-16 game has increased the clamour for an improved refereeing system to be introduced.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter had already said goal-line technology, talk of which was shelved at an International FA Board meeting in March, would be back on the agenda at FIFA meetings later in the year.
And Valcke today told Sky Sports News he was not opposed to it as a system.
He said: "Goal-line technology is something you can use because it gives definitely the chance for the referee to understand the ball is in when he cannot always see it, as we have seen during this World Cup."
"That's an alternative we can work on for the future."
Another alternative FIFA has not ruled out is the use of extra referees, which is set for another two seasons of trials following its use in the Europa League last year.
Asked if either that of goal-line technology could be used at the next World Cup in Brazil in 2014, Valcke said: "There is a real chance. I think the system we have today will not be the same in 2014."
"If you have a system which gives you the chance to make sure that, if the ball is in, the referee should know it and should just give the goal, that's something which has to be done."
"I have no problem with that. The goal-line technology, I don't think that's a big deal."
"I'm personally against the video [replays] - that's as a fan, I'm not talking as the secretary general of FIFA."
"As a fan I don't think the video is good for the game. I think it would kill the game."
The use of goal-line technology could be okayed in principle by IFAB at its meeting in March.
"For the additional assistant referees the final decision will be with the IFAB in 2012, for the goal-line technology, any time," said Valcke. "In the March meeting the decision could be made."