Football matches can now have five referees

Geneva, July 6 (IANS) Football matches could be officiated by five referees in the future after the International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved the method.

IFAB, the sole body allowed to determine the laws of the game, decided Thursday that two officials can be added in addition to the referee and two linesmen, reported Xinhua.

The newly added referees will stand behind each team's goalline to keep an eye on action, in and around the penalty box area, should tournament organisers want it.

IFAB comprises the Football Associations of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, with FIFA representing its other members.

The English FA and their Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland counterparts each have a single vote, while FIFA - world football's governing body - has four.

Any law change needs at least six of the eight votes.