FIFA To Trial Breakthrough Semi-Automated Offside Tech At Arab Cup
Image via FIFA
FIFA has unveiled plans to trial its new semi-automated offside technology for the first time at the upcoming Arab Cup, which begins in Qatar this week.
According to Reuters, the breakthrough technology will be based on limb tracking, and will provide the on-field and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) with more information before a call is overturned.
“We’ll have a camera setup installed under the roof of each stadium. The limb-tracking data extracted from the video will be sent to the operations rooms and the calculated offside line and detected kick-pointed is provided to the replay operator in almost real time,” said FIFA’s Football Technology and Innovation Director, Johannes Holzmueller.
“The replay operator then has the opportunity to show it immediately to the VAR. At the FIFA Arab Cup the assistant VAR at a dedicated offside station can immediately validate and confirm the information,” he explained.
Ex-Arsenal manager, and current FIFA Chief of Global Football Development, Arsene Wenger said he hopes following the trial, the technology can be implemented at next year’s World Cup.
“Technology is very important and useful in both the pre-match preparation and the decision-making process during matches,” remarked Chief Refereeing Officer, Pierluigi Collina.
“Technology — today or tomorrow — can draw a line but the assessment of an interference with play or with an opponent remains in the referee’s hands.”
[via Reuters, cover image via FIFA]
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