FIFA confirm use of semi-automated offsides at 2022 World Cup
FIFA have announced the new semi-automatic system that will be used at the 2022 World Cup.
Following Video Assistant Referee technology in the 2018 World Cup in Russia, FIFA have now confirmed that the next phase of automated officiating will be used later this year.
The new technology uses 12 dedicated tracking cameras mounted underneath the roof of the stadium to track the ball and up to 29 data points of each individual player, 50 times per second, calculating their exact position on the pitch, which will help, in real-time, give offside calls during the tournament.
World Cup ball
The Adidas Al Rihla official World Cup match ball will also enable the detection of tight offside incidents as an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor will be placed inside the centre of the ball.
This sensor sends ball data to the video operation room 500 times per second, allowing a very precise detection of the kick point.
Three years of research and testing
Fifa president Gianni Infantino said: “At the FIFA World Cup in 2018, FIFA took the brave step to use VAR technology on the world’s biggest stage, and it has proven to be an undisputable success.
“Semi-automated offside technology is an evolution of the VAR systems that have been implemented across the world.
“This technology is the culmination of three years of dedicated research and testing to provide the very best for the teams, players and fans who will be heading to Qatar later this year, and FIFA is proud of this work, as we look forward to the world seeing the benefits of semi-automated offside technology at the FIFA World Cup 2022.
“FIFA is committed to harnessing technology to improve the game of football at all levels, and the use of semi-automated offside technology at the FIFA World Cup in 2022 is the clearest possible evidence.”
The 2022 World Cup begins on Monday November 21 with Senegal taking on the Netherlands.