The use of a semi-automated offside system at this year’s World Cup in Qatar has been confirmed by FIFA.
The optical monitoring device was tested during the Arab Cup in Qatar last December and at the FIFA Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi earlier this year.
“Semi-automated offside technology is an evolution of the VAR systems that have been implemented across the world,” the global body’s president Gianni Infantino said in a statement.
“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 World Cup 2022,” he added.
The stadium’s specialized and broadcast cameras are used by the data-driven, limb-tracking technology to determine each player’s precise location on the field, providing officials with accurate information in a matter of seconds.
Because FIFA claims match officials will still make the final determination, with a specific VAR assistance in place to monitor offsides, the phrase “semi-automated” is used.
“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,” FIFA said.
“The 29 collected data points include all limbs and extremities that are relevant for making offside calls,” it added.
