Should FIFA use technology, at least at major tournaments, to eliminate refereeing errors?

The ghost of 1966 came back to haunt England and Germany at the 2010 World Cup on Sunday. The English were trailing 2-1 when a Frank Lampard shot from outside the box hit the underside of the crossbar, bounced inside, and was collected by Manuel Neuer. Replays showed the ball had bounced well inside, but the referee's assistant failed to spot it and no goal was awarded.

The incident revived memories of the 1966 World Cup final played at the Wembley in London, when Geoff Hurst's second goal, scored in extra time, appeared to have dropped on the line but was awarded to England by the referee after consulting the linesman. At the time, the teams were locked 2-2. Hurst scored one more goal in the dying moments to put the issue beyond doubt, but the controversy never quite went away.

Despite the many controversies, FIFA has been steadfastly opposed to the use of technology in football. FIFA secretary-general Jerome Valcke said, "Why should we have technology in a game where the main and unique parts should be the humans, players and referees?" Many who support FIFA's stand say it is the human element and the unpredictability of the game that make it the world's most popular sport.

But Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hit out at FIFA, saying it was "beyond comprehension" that the world governing body was still opposed to goal-line technology. "For me, it is difficult to understand, for one reason, because you want as much justice as possible," the Frenchman was quoted as saying.

Indeed, several sports such as tennis, rugby, cricket, and American football have adopted technology without much fuss, reducing the scope for unseemly controversies.

Is it time for football to follow suit? Should FIFA use technology, at least at major tournaments, to ensure that refereeing errors do not mar games and lead to controversy and heartburn?