As Scotland’s team, led by Steve Clarke, prepares to face Germany in the inaugural match of the tournament, Uefa has unveiled a groundbreaking technological advancement for Euro 2024.
The tournament will feature the ‘Fussballliebe’, an Adidas ball integrated with state-of-the-art connected technology, poised to transmit real-time data directly to match officials. This innovative approach is set to revolutionize the speed and accuracy of offside and handball rulings in the game.
Uefa highlights that this ball provides an “unmatched level of detail in tracking the ball’s movement, significantly aiding the video assistant referee (VAR) in their decision-making process.” While the ball is capable of detecting touches, it does not discern the specific part of the body involved.
To determine handball infractions, referees will continue to rely on camera imagery, with the added advantage of accelerated decision-making facilitated by the new technology.
Uefa is confident that this development will not only quicken decision times but also enhance the precision of offside calls. By merging player positional data with artificial intelligence (AI), this innovation is integral to Uefa’s semi-automated offside technology, promising swifter in-game rulings.
This advanced technology is also expected to aid VAR officials in pinpointing every contact with the ball, thereby minimizing the time taken to resolve handball and penalty disputes.
The implementation of VAR has been a subject of widespread debate and criticism across European leagues, notably in the Premier League, where numerous managers have expressed concerns about its application.
In contrast, the Premier League has decided against adopting semi-automated offsides for the current season, as its sponsor Nike has yet to develop a ball that meets the approval of the top-flight clubs.
Euro 2024 is scheduled to take place in Germany from June 14 to July 14.
Also in the news: Tune into the latest episode of the Football Daily podcast. Explore the fascinating world of octopuses with Brian Cox and Robin Ince, and join Dr. Chris van Tulleken in uncovering the global impact of chicken as the world’s most consumed meat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Euro 2024 Adidas Ball Technology
What is the new technology being used at Euro 2024?
At Euro 2024, UEFA will introduce the ‘Fussballliebe’, an Adidas ball equipped with connected ball technology. This technology will transmit real-time data to officials, aiding in making quicker and more accurate offside and handball decisions.
How will the Adidas ‘Fussballliebe’ ball improve VAR decisions?
The Adidas ‘Fussballliebe’ ball is designed to offer unparalleled insights into the ball’s movement. This will contribute significantly to the VAR decision-making process, enabling faster resolution of handball and offside calls.
Can the ‘Fussballliebe’ ball determine the specific part of the body that touches the ball?
No, the ‘Fussballliebe’ ball can detect a touch but cannot identify which part of the body made contact with the ball. Officials will still need to use camera images to make handball decisions.
Will the new ball technology speed up the game?
Yes, UEFA believes that the integration of this ball technology will speed up decision-making processes for handball and offside calls, making the game faster and more fluid.
Why has the Premier League not adopted similar technology?
The Premier League has chosen not to implement semi-automated offsides for the current season as their sponsor, Nike, has yet to produce a ball that meets the top-flight clubs’ standards.
When and where will Euro 2024 take place?
Euro 2024 is scheduled to be held in Germany from June 14 to July 14, 2024.
More about Euro 2024 Adidas Ball Technology
- Euro 2024 Official Website
- UEFA Announces Innovative Ball Technology
- Adidas Unveils ‘Fussballliebe’ for Euro 2024
- VAR Technology in Football
- Premier League’s Stance on New Ball Technology
- Artificial Intelligence in Sports
- Euro 2024 Tournament Schedule
3 comments
interesting how they’re using AI in sports now, wonder how accurate it will be though.. always room for error, right?
Remembers the days when all we had was a whistle and a flag, technology sure is changing the game!
As a ref, im curious how this will impact our job, faster calls are great but hope it doesnt make things too complex