Goal-line technology could start soon

Goal-line technology could be brought in halfway through next season, according to Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore.

FIFA will rule in July whether the technology will be allowed across the world and the Premier League are keen to implement one of two systems after a controversial season for referees.

It had been anticipated that the technology would be introduced at the start of the 2013-14 season, but Scudamore said: "The original position was that we would only introduce it at the beginning of a season, but having thought it all through there is some possibility of introducing it mid-season if we get it right."

Scudamore insists bringing in one of the two systems bidding for the tender - Hawk-Eye and GoalRef - would not cause too many problems.

"The law is not changing - the question is still about whether the ball has gone over the line or not," Scudamore added.

"When we are ready to go, we can go with it.

"The fact we have got a better way of detecting it means there is some possibility of introducing it mid-season if we get it right."

One hurdle the English game must overcome is how much the system will cost and Scudamore insists the Premier League will not be held to ransom over goal-line technology, should it be sanctioned.

"We have got to negotiate the price. It is a business decision and we have got to negotiate proper deals," said Scudamore, who was speaking at the Premier League 20 Seasons Awards in London this afternoon.

"There is a cost to the competition so it is a business decision, not a commercial enterprise."