FIFA will use a limb-tracking camera process to enhance offside calls during this year’s World Cup in Qatar.
FIFA will utilize cutting-edge technology for offside calls at the World Cup
FIFA announced on Friday that it is capable of turning out semi-automated offside technology (SAOT), which includes various cameras to track player motions as well as a sensor in the ball — and that it will immediately show 3D images on arena screens during the tournament to help fans understand the referee’s call.
FIFA is using new technologies to assist referees for the third World Cup in a row.
Following an infamous officiating blunder in 2010, goal-line technology was ready for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. In 2018, Russia used video review to assist referees in judging game-changing occurrences.
Despite the fact that the 2018 World Cup dodged significant blunders on offside rulings, the revamped offside has both quicker and more precise choices than the present VAR system.
Since then, controversy has erupted in European competitions, particularly where VAR officials place on-screen lines over players for borderline rulings. Because of the narrow margins, they’ve been dubbed “armpit offsides.”
“Although these instruments are extremely precise, this precision may be enhanced,” said Pierluigi Collina, head of FIFA’s officiating programme and referee for the 2002 World Cup final before tech was available.
12 cameras under the top of each arena in Qatar will be synced to track 29 data points on each player’s body 50 times per second. Data is analysed using artificial intelligence to generate a 3D offside line, which alerts the VAR team.
The COVID-19 outbreak hampered FIFA’s attempt to have the new offside technology ready for the World Cup.
The Arab Cup in Qatar in December featured live in-game trials, as did FIFA’s Club World Cup in the United Arab Emirates in February.
In seconds of a probable offside, a VAR specialist can personally evaluate the data-created line for attackers and defenders, as well as the kick point of the pass, according to Holzmüller.