News bulletin from South Africa

n FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke has given the strongest indication yet that goal-line technology could be brought into the game.

Frank Lampard's disallowed 'goal' for England against Germany in their last-16 game has increased the clamour for an improved refereeing system to be introduced.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has already said goal-line technology, talk of which was shelved at an International FA Board meeting in March, will be back on the agenda at FIFA meetings later in the year.

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And Valcke yesterday said he was not opposed to it as a system.

He said: "Goal-line technology is something you can use because it gives definitely the chance for the referee to understand the ball is in when he cannot always see it, as we have seen during this World Cup.

"That's an alternative we can work on for the future."

n The company that runs the airports in South Africa will pay some compensation to fans who missed Wednesday's semi-final between Germany and Spain.

Six flights carrying supporters were turned away from Durban's new airport due to congestion and diverted to Johannesburg.

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FIFA had insisted they had no responsibility for the foul-up and yesterday local organisers said the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) would make a goodwill gesture to the fans.

n FIFA president Sepp Blatter has sent a letter of condolence to the wife of Bob Millward, the chief football writer of the Associated Press, who collapsed and died in Johannesburg on Thursday.

Millward, 58, had reported on seven World Cups and numerous Olympic Games during his career. Millward was a fervent West Brom fan and his wife wants to have his ashes scatted at the Hawthorns.