EPTS expands its horizons with the validation of ball-tracking technology and real-time tracking data
EPTS expands its horizons with the validation of ball-tracking technology and real-time tracking data. FIFA, for the first time, provided EPTS providers with the chance to assess their live player- and ball-tracking systems during the most recent EPTS test events in Seville (September 2021) and Cádiz in light of the improvements in regard to electronic performance and tracking systems (EPTS) (June 2022).
The EPTS performance test methodology has been expanded to include ball-tracking data following the successful development and validation of a technique to evaluate ball-tracking data using the same Vicon (high-speed optical motion capture) set-up used to evaluate providers’ player-tracking data. This action was taken in response to a growing number of technology vendors that have added more ball-tracking parameters and were looking for a reliable, impartial approach to quantify the information about their ball’s position and speed.
First, at the test event in Seville, the 2D positional accuracy of the ball data from each source was assessed. Velocity and 3D location data will be included in future performance test results. End users will be able to compare various tracking solutions available on the market, such as team analysts or other decision-makers.
Simultaneously, a new era in the FIFA Quality Programme for EPTS began with the implementation of a live testing process for player and ball performance data. Although the program was initially launched in 2019 with submission times of either 1 hour or 24 hours, providers now have the option of providing their tracking data in real-time, with the precise latency stated in the test report. Once more, this is a response to the increased demand for live match analysis and the advancement of more sophisticated technology in the football world.
FIFA has introduced a new FIFA Preferred Provider initiative for businesses with demonstrated proficiency in the development of these EPTS technologies, in conjunction with the release of the first test reports for the live player and ball monitoring. FIFA is looking forward to working with such industry disruptors in the future to drive advancements together.