The Euro 2024 tournament has demonstrated itself to be a pivotal moment for soccer technology, with an array of new developments revolutionising the sport in unprecedented ways. From intelligent match balls to wearable technology for players, advanced technology is reshaping the landscape of soccer, enhancing the game, the fan experience, and player welfare.
The introduction of semi-automated offside technology and artificial intelligence (AI) at Euro 2024 has streamlined the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) process, resulting in faster and more accurate review decisions. With ten cameras installed in each host stadium tracking 29 different points on every player, along with the implementation of semi-automated offside technology and the use of an AI-powered official tournament ball, the accuracy and efficiency of decision-making has significantly improved. However, this has also led to some contentious decisions, such as Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku having three goals disallowed in his opening two games due to offside and handball decisions detected by the ball’s sensor.
In addition, goal-line technology has put an end to debates over whether the ball has crossed the line, with seven cameras in each goal providing instant results sent to the referee’s watch within one second of the action. The official match ball of the Euros, the Adidas Fussballliebe, has received widespread acclaim from players for its performance, made from eco-friendly materials and assisting with offside calls while generating exceptional speed.
Furthermore, players are now utilising wearable technology to monitor their sleep and aid in recovery, with England’s players seen wearing smart rings to monitor their sleep patterns. Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo serves as an ambassador for a band that tracks sleep and biometric data. This evolving use of technology extends to the coaching staff, with England manager Gareth Southgate using a smartwatch that retails at £6,500 promoting recovery.
As the demands of the tournament can be physically taxing, teams have introduced a range of recovery devices to aid players in coping with the congested schedule. From hyperbaric oxygen chambers and cryogenic chambers to compression boots and noise-cancelling headphones, these innovative tools are employed to enhance player recovery and performance.
Finally, beyond these professional tools, we have witnessed players embracing personal technology for entertainment and even educational purposes. While boredom can be a genuine issue during a long tournament, many players have been arriving at stadiums with their state-of-the-art, noise-cancelling headphones, while others have been seen with gaming devices, popular video game consoles, and personal devices for communication and educational activities.
Euro 2024 is truly showcasing the vast array of technological advancements being integrated into the world of soccer, ushering in a new era in the sport where the fusion of innovation and athleticism is shaping the game like never before.