After much dilly-dallying, FIFA has finally decided to introduce goal-line technology at the 2014 World Cup, a move that was resisted for a long time by its head honcho Sepp Blatter.

Blatter was an avowed opponent of technology, claiming that it’s the human element that makes football such a fascinating game. “Other sports regularly change the laws of the game to react to the new technology... We don’t do it and this makes the fascination and the popularity of football,” he said once.

Even UEFA president Michel Platini objected to any such move,  saying, “I am wholly against goal-line technology,” Platini said towards the end of the tournament. “But it’s not just goal-line technology. I am against technology itself because it will invade every single area of football.”

But several refereeing blunders at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa saw the clamour for the introduction of goal-line tech reach deafening proportions, forcing a U-turn from Blatter.

England have been the fiercest advocates of technological support for referees, especially after Frank Lampard was denied a goal against Germany at the 2012 World Cup when the referee failed to see the ball cross the line.

Two systems - GoalRef and Hawk-Eye - have already been licensed by FIFA. Two other firms from Germany have gone through tests and could also put themselves forward for consideration.

The technology, which was tested at the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan in December, will also be used at the Confederations Cup in Brazil in June, FIFA said.

The players, no doubt will welcome the move. While human element is vital, it is also important that sport keeps in tune with the times.

 

Serena’s injury jinx

Serena Williams’s tryst with injuries at the beginning of the season is not new. In the last decade, she has withdrawn from the Australian Open thrice (2002, 2004, 2011) owing to injuries.

In some of the years when she did participate in the first Grand Slam of the year, she has withdrawn from the tournaments that immediately follow the Melbourne event, like in 2005, 2006 and now in 2013.

This year, at the Australian Open, Williams even tweeted a photo of a swollen right ankle after her quarter-final loss to compatriot Sloane Stephens.

While she did travel to Doha for her debut at the Qatar Total Open, by her own admission, she remained sceptical of an impressive performance at the Premier 5 event for health and performance reasons. A different matter, she achieved the top ranking after making it to the semis here.

Dubai, especially, has seen her play only twice, in 2005 and 2009. In the 2005 edition, she retired from her semi-final match against Jelena Jankovic citing a strained tendon.

This year, with Victoria Azarenka pulling out too, one thing Williams can be sure of is the top spot belongs to her this week. At least.