Sports
2014 World Cup: FIFA Approves Goalline Technology
FIFA has announced that goalline technology will be used during the 2014 World Cup after inviting providers of the software to submit official bids ahead of this summer’s Confederations Cup.
Goalline technology was tested at the Club World Cup in December after the FIFA President, Sepp Blatter, stated his commitment to having a system in place by the time of Brazil 2014.
Following a “successful implementation” during the Japan tournament, when Chelsea lost in the final to Corinthians, FIFA will now consider which platform to use and make a decision in April, officially rolling the programme out at the Confederations Cup this summer, also to be held in Brazil.
“After a successful implementation of goalline technology at the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan in December 2012, FIFA has decided to use GLT at the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 and 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil,” FIFA said in a statement. “The aim is to use GLT in order to support the match officials and to install a system in all stadia, pending the successful installation, and pre-match referee tests.
“With different technologies on the market, FIFA has launched a tender today, setting out the technical requirements for the two forthcoming competitions in Brazil.”
The two goalline systems that have already been approved by FIFA are Hawk-Eye and GoalRef, which are intended to help the referee make a decision if there is any doubt whether the ball has crossed the line for a goal. Hawk-Eye, which has already been used with great success in professional cricket and tennis, involves the use of a number of cameras, while GoalRef uses a magnetic field around the goal and an electronic circuit in the ball. Other providers have also been invited to tender their bids.
The statement continued: “The two GLT providers already licensed under FIFA ‘s quality programme for GLT, and other GLT providers currently in the licensing process [that must have passed all relevant tests as of today] are invited to submit tenders. Interested GLT companies will be invited to join an inspection visit to the Confederations Cup venues, currently scheduled for mid-March, with a final decision due to be confirmed in early April.”
England’s Frank Lampard had a legitimate goal disallowed against Germany during the 2010 World Cup, when the ball had clearly crossed the line.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.