Digital Technologies in UEFA EURO 2024

The UEFA EURO 2024 is not just a celebration of football but also a showcase of cutting-edge digital technologies that are transforming the way the sport is played, watched, and managed. As the tournament unfolds, fans, players, and officials alike are experiencing the benefits of innovations designed to enhance performance, ensure fairness, and create an immersive viewing experience. Here’s a closer look at the digital technologies making a significant impact in this year’s tournament.

1. Adidas connected Ball technology:

The connected ball technology is first time used in UEFA EURO 2024. The connected ball technology detects ball contact with a body part, especially useful for handball claims, registering it within about two milliseconds. The resulting images and data are reviewed by the VAR and referee and are also made available to viewers, promoting transparency in officiating.

Source: Adidas

2. Video Assistant Referee (VAR)

VAR technology assists referees in making accurate decisions regarding goals, penalties, red cards, and cases of mistaken identity. By reviewing video footage from multiple angles, VAR ensures that the game is fair and that crucial decisions are made with precision. The integration of advanced AI algorithms has further improved the speed and accuracy of VAR decisions, reducing interruptions and maintaining the flow of the game.

Source: BBC sports

3. Goal-Line Technology

Goal-line technology has been a game-changer in football, providing definitive proof of whether the ball has crossed the goal line. In the UEFA EURO 2024, this technology employs high-speed cameras and sensors to instantly notify the referee when a goal is scored. This eliminates any ambiguity and ensures that every legitimate goal is recognized, maintaining the integrity of the sport.

Source: Sky sports

4. Wearable Performance Trackers

Wearable technology is revolutionizing player performance analysis. Players in the EURO FIFA Cup 2024 are equipped with GPS trackers and biometric sensors that monitor their heart rate, speed, distance covered, and other vital statistics in real time. These data provides an insights for coaches and medical staff, enabling them to make informed decisions about player fitness, tactics, and injury prevention.

In UEFA EURO 2024 England team is wearing Smart rings that helps to monitor their recovery after matches like sleep, heart rate, stress level etc.,

Source : Sky sports - England coach wearing smart rings during the training session.

5. Semi-automated offside technology

Semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) will enable VAR teams to make quicker and more accurate offside decisions. Ten specialized cameras in stadiums will track 29 body points on each player. Along with the connected ball technology, the system will instantly identify the point of ball contact in offside situations.

Source : UEFA.com

Conclusion

The EURO FIFA Cup 2024 is a testament to the transformative power of digital technologies in sports. From ensuring fair play with VAR and goal-line technology to enhancing player performance with wearables and providing immersive experiences with AR and VR, technology is revolutionizing every aspect of the game. As we continue to embrace these innovations, the future of football looks more exciting and accessible than ever before. Whether you’re a player, a coach, or a fan, the digital revolution in football promises to make every match a thrilling experience.