FIFA could use video referees at next year’s World Cup in Russia.
The system was tested at the Club World Cup in December – as well as in Italy and Holland in the past year – with results set to be presented next month in London.
The Premier League has taken a backseat on live trials with bosses believed to be sceptical about the use of a video assistant referee (VAR).
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But former Prem referee David Elleray, who is now technical director of the International FA Board (Ifab), insists tests have allowed several issues to be ironed out.
Speaking to the Times, he said: “We are very happy with the progress that has been made.
“We have gone from almost nothing to more than a dozen countries, and we have already found out what we can do better.
“One or two things did not go so well at first but it would be a great shame if people get the idea that it is not going to work.
“So far we are very happy with how the tests have gone and the fact that so many of the major footballing countries want to be part of the experiment shows we are moving in the right direction.
“It has so far worked better than a lot of people have anticipated. If the trials go well, Fifa would like to have the option to use it for the World Cup next year.
“England are also following this closely and may well become part of it in the future.”
Some trials have seen the referee being allowed to view a replay on a tablet by the side of the pitch, while others have allowed the VAR to rule on decisions from the sidelines.
Managers and players are not allowed to challenge decisions.
Cristiano Ronaldo criticised the system after he was forced to wait almost a minute for a goal to be awarded during this season’s Club World Cup as the referee signalled he was checking for an offside.
Elleray claimed that was due to a mix-up between referees, adding: "That is what these tests are for — to flag up potential problems. In terms of correcting unfairness, nothing else will be able to do that and that is the attraction for most.
"Accuracy is more important than speed. Some people say it takes too long but that can be because the referees are not used to it. There are already often lengthy delays.”
More countries, including Germany, France, the USA, Belgium, Portugal, Czech Republic, Mexico and Qatar are also planning to take part in live trials next season.
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