Approval was given on Thursday to the five-referee method of officiating matches after a meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB).

The referee and two linesmen will be aided by two further officials posted behind each team's goalline to keep an eye on action in and around the critical penalty box area should tournament organisers want it, IFAB announced.

FIFA has been trialling the "Additional Assistant Referee" system since 2008 and it was in use during the recently-finished Euro 2012 as well as the Champions League.

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

It is the sole body allowed to determine the laws of the game.

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

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