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Blatter confirms technology debate to be reopened

Sepp Blatter is under real pressure to make changes on technology © Getty Images

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FIFA president Sepp Blatter has issued an apology to England over the Frank Lampard 'goal' affair and has admitted the subject of goalline technology will be discussed at a meeting in July.

Blatter has steadfastly refused to consider the introduction of goalline technology despite a host of high-profile problems in recent years, but he cut an uncomfortable figure during England's defeat to Germany when the Uruguayan officials failed to award a goal to Lampard despite his shot bouncing well over the line.

Uruguayan newspaper El Pais ran an apology to England and Blatter has now followed suit.

"I apologised to England and Mexico," Blatter stated. "The English said 'thank you' and accepted that you can win [some] and you lose [some], and the Mexicans bowed their head and accepted it."

The most powerful man in football also appears to be softening his stance on the technology debate by admitting the subject will be discussed next month.

"It is obvious that after the experience so far in this World Cup it would be a nonsense to not reopen the file of technology at the business meeting of the International FA Board in July.

"Personally I deplore it when you see evident referee mistakes but it's not the end of a competition or the end of football, this can happen.

"We will naturally take on board the discussion on technology and have first opportunity in July at the business meeting."

The calls for the introduction of video referees are also increasing, but Blatter has stressed that is not on the agenda.

He said: "The only principle we are going to bring back for discussion is goalline technology.

"Football is a game that never stops and the moment there was a discussion if the ball was in or out, or there was a goalscoring opportunity, do we give a possibility to a team to call for replays once or twice like in tennis?

"For situations like the Mexico game you don't need technology."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.