Artificial intelligence systems are now inevitably appearing in every aspect of our lives. The reason is actually quite simple. He is able to make objective decisions within the framework of logic. However, this transformation process may be progressing a little faster than we expected. So much so that even FIFA is now involved in the situation.
The decision made by VAR (Video referee application) of a position in the AS Roma and FC Torino match played in Italy’s Serie A league yesterday, after a review process of more than 5 minutes, came as a great shock to everyone. On top of that, FIFA shared its new AI (artificial intelligence) supported system with the fans.
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FIFA is working on artificial intelligence supported VAR system
The offside rule is considered by many fans to be the most controversial and complex rule in football. Moreover, it is very difficult to apply this rule among the referees who manage the competitions. Because many different elements such as the positions of the players on the field and their alignment with each other need to be followed instantly.
For this reason, the VAR system, which was introduced in the past years, aimed to help the referees on the field. However, even if some positions are viewed from many different angles, the rulers of the match may not agree on the decision. Moreover, even if the right decision is made, the long duration of the examinations greatly reduces the energy of the match, the fans and the players.
The match between AS Roma and FC Torino played yesterday can be the best example of this. Tammy is clearly in front of her opponent, but her left foot is a few inches behind the other player. For this reason, after the examination that lasted for approximately 310 seconds, the offside decision was made. But many fans revolted over how absurd the situation was.
To solve this problem, FIFA decided to seek help from artificial intelligence systems and software, which it believed would make the offside review process faster. The organization experimented with this technology last year. According to rumors, it plans to implement it in the 2021 Arab Cup, which will start tomorrow.
He will place about 10 cameras next to the roof of the stadium where the match is played. Other cameras and sensors on the field will track 29 data points per player, 50 times per second. So this actually means that 3 thousand checks per minute per player will be done automatically by the system.
In this way, the referees sitting at the VAR table will not have to press the button to draw the line or do the calculations with their eyes. Instead, the system will automatically show you who is offside when you stop the position, or who is offside within the second the ball is out of the foot.
Of course, if there is a review that escapes the referees’ eyes, the system will be able to intervene. Johannes Holzmüller, FIFA Director of Football Technology and Innovation, said:
This new system with artificial intelligence will be able to send a warning directly to the VAR for a possible offside violation. Thus, referees who are not on the field will be able to quickly review the position.
Arsene Wenger, former Arsenal Manager and current FIFA Head of Global Football Development, pointed out that the average VAR call last year took 70 seconds. He said that this is quite a long time for Futboll and could be greatly reduced with the new semi-automatic system.
What do you think about this subject? Do you think we can see robot referees in the 2026 World Cup? Don’t forget to share your views with us in the comments!