FIFA has approved the use of its new Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT) for VAR at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based system will replace the VARs manually linking lines across the pitch to players and selecting when the ball has been kicked. It is intended to make decisions quicker and more accurate while also providing improved visualisation for fans.
A sensor will be placed in the centre of the Adidas “Al Rihla” World Cup balls, recording data 500 times a second to detect when the ball has been kicked. All players will be mapped to create an AI model of their position — a similar method to goal-line technology.
🗣️ "I think when you see major change like this it brings a new dawn to football"
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher believes that the semi-automated offside technology to be used in the 2022 World Cup will be a major step-forward for football. pic.twitter.com/NSouEl3bca
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 1, 2022