Extra match officials to referee in Champions League

Football's lawmaking panel has expanded the experimental use of two extra assistant referees into competitions including Europe's Champions League from the 2010/11 season. The use of officials behind the goals was tested in last season's Europa League and the International Football Association Board (IFAB) said yesterday it will rule in 2012 whether they will be adopted permanently. Adding to the referee and two linesmen is designed to help with decisions such as whether the ball has crossed the line.

The continued experiment means any decision on the use of goal-line video technology may be postponed further. The IFAB next meets in October to decide the agenda for its March get-together. The debate on goal-line technology was rekindled at the World Cup last month when England were denied a goal against Germany because officials failed to see that a shot by Frank Lampard crossed the line after bouncing down from the crossbar.

The IFAB's technical subcommittee, which met in Cardiff, Wales, ruled that national associations, confederations or competitions must cover the cost of the experiment. It has been approved for a total nine competitions including France's League Cup, Brazil's Rio de Janeiro Championship and Asia's President's Cup club tournament. Three other events could take place if their ruling bodies agree. * AP