Technology has firmly entered football and is here to stay. FIFA has introduced a new system designed to assist referees with faster and more reliable decisions.
The move mirrors a trend already seen with VAR, but this time the focus is on semi-automatic offside detection. It will debut at the World Cup in Qatar and marks a significant step in officiating, as announced by FIFA.
First tested during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the technology is now slated for broader adoption by leagues including La Liga in the 2023-2024 season.
Goal.com explains how this tool operates and what it means for the game.
Semi-automatic offside in Qatar 2022: what it is, how it works, when and where it will be applied
What is this initiative about?
Johan Mess Holzmüller, FIFA’s Deputy Director of Technology, led the presentation of the project. The aim is clear: help referees reach faster, more accurate outcomes while boosting transparency for fans. The system can recreate plays on stadium screens with 3D animation to show the offside from multiple angles.
Announcer posts from clubs and officials confirmed the testing venue, with Sevilla FC sharing early insights during the 2022 season.
— Sevilla Football Club (@SevillaFC) June 28, 2022
How does it work?
FIFA outlined the process in a formal statement. Twelve stadium cameras map the ball and track up to 29 data points for each player, at 50 frames per second, to determine exact positions on the pitch. The data points cover limbs and key body parts used to signal offside.
The official World Cup ball, Al Rihla by Adidas, contains an inertia measurement unit located at its center. This sensor transmits data to the video room 500 times per second, enabling precise detection of ball contact moments.
Using a combination of player limb data, ball data, and artificial intelligence, the system flags potential offside situations for review. A Video Referee team then checks the precise moment of the kick and the computed offside line before reporting to the Chief Referee. The entire process is designed to be fast, producing decisions in a fraction of the time previously required.
When a decision is confirmed, the same data creates a 3D animation showing the player’s body positions at contact. The animation is shown on stadium screens and shared with broadcasting partners to clearly communicate the ruling to viewers.
The process takes 25 seconds
When a goal is involved, a visual cue appears to indicate a possible offside. The video review then proceeds, and the refereeing team is updated quickly. Previously, the full review could take around 70 seconds; with the new system, it aims to be about 25 seconds.
Word from Johannes Holzmüller, director of the Football Technological Innovation Branch
He explained that the semi-automatic offside system uses twelve cameras and a ball equipped with advanced technology across all 2022 World Cup venues. Real-time video alerts powered by AI are provided to referee teams, who must confirm the decision before it is communicated to the Chief Referee. The data feeds a three-dimensional animation shown to spectators in stadiums and on TV, offering a precise view of the offside moment.
Word from Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA
Infantino highlighted the progressive use of video technology since the 2018 World Cup. He noted that semi-automatic offside builds on VAR systems already in use worldwide and represents three years of research and testing by FIFA and its partners. The goal is to deliver the best possible experience for teams, players, and fans traveling to events. FIFA emphasizes a commitment to leveraging technology to elevate the sport, including offside detection during major tournaments like the World Cup.