The announcement came a year after football's world governing body began an exhaustive search for systems which could detect with pinpoint accuracy whether or not the ball has crossed the line.

The approval means that Hawkeye and GoalRef can start providing their products to leagues and competitions across the globe.

"This milestone means that the companies now have authorisation to install their technology systems worldwide," said a FIFA spokesman.

Hawk-Eye, widely used in other sports such as cricket and tennis, is a camera-based system that sends an immediate signal to the referee.

GoalRef, a German/Danish product, uses a microchip implanted in the ball and the use of a magnetic field.

In line with FIFA's requirements, the whole process takes less than a second to complete.

Once a system has been installed in a stadium, it will undergo one final so-called installation test.

The camera-based Hawk-Eye system is widely used in tennis to send an immediate signal to the referee

Despite fierce opposition from the likes of UEFA President Michel Platini, goal-line technology is due to be used for the first time in December at the FIFA Club World Cup having been given the green light in July by the game's law-makers, the International Football Association Board (IFAB).

FIFA has advised both companies to take out liability insurance cover so they won't face costly lawsuits if the systems fail during games.

A FIFA statement said: "This policy should provide sufficient insurance coverage for claims being raised by third parties due to the licensee's activities or omissions (failure to act) as well as claims being raised due to potentially faulty (manufactured) products.

"A claim is deemed as a demand for compensation of bodily injury, property damage and pure financial loss.

"The policy shall be concluded with a well-respected and reputable national or international insurance company."

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