The International Football Association Board (IFAB) announced on Saturday that technology would be used to assist referees with game-changing decisions such as goals, penalties, red cards and mistaken identity.

The real live tests will start in 2017-18 period and will last about two years.

Referees will be able to call on video assistance for contentious goals, penalties, red cards and cases of mistaken identity.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: “We have taken really a historic decision for football. FIFA and IFAB are now leading the debate and not stopping the debate. We have shown we are listening to the fans, the players and to football”.

The IFAB and new FIFA president have stressed they do not want to harm the flow of the sport and will ensure it is not disrupted by the introduction of video technology.

“We are applying common sense. We have to be cautious, but we are also open to look into matters and take concrete measures and steps forward. The real live tests will be at the latest 2017-18, but we will start immediately, looking offline and online to fine tune everything and then it will be tested, in friendly matches as well.” said Infantino.