FIFA president Sepp Blatter has apologised to England over Frank Lampard's disallowed goal and confirmed that the use of goal-line technology is back on the agenda.


Lampard's effort during England's 4-1 defeat to Germany was ruled out even though the ball clearly crossed the line and has led to renewed calls for the introduction of technology, while Mexico were also victims of a refereeing error against Argentina.

"I have spoken to the two federations (England and Mexico) directly concerned by referees mistakes. I have expressed to them apologies and I understand they are not happy and that people are criticising," Blatter told a media briefing in Johannesburg.

"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 of the International FA Board."

Blatter added: "It happened in 1966 and then 44 years later - though it was not quite the same.

"I apologised to England and Mexico. 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."

Sunday night's match between Argentina and Mexico had also thrown up a controversial incident, with Carlos Tevez scoring the opening goal from a blatantly offside position, but the FIFA president added that the IFAB would only look again at goal-line technology and not video replays.

"The only principle we are going to bring back for discussion is goal-line technology, " he said.