DUESSELDORF, Germany In intelligence-enabled match balls and artificial intelligence for cryogenic recovery chambers, football is being transformed by the cutting-edge technology available to players, coaches and referees.
This was evident in Euro 2024where advances in areas such as equipment and sports science have been implemented on and off the pitch, designed to improve the game, the fan experience and player wellbeing.
Not everything is a success for everyone.
For example, there are still complaints about VAR decisions – just as there were about decisions in the days before VAR was introduced.
Regardless, the world’s most popular sport continues to be impacted by rapidly developing technologies around the world.
VAR decisions largely appear to be a smoother process here than seen, for example, in the Premier League last season. UEFA is implementing semi-automatic offside technology alongside AI and Adidas’ connected ball technology to speed up the review process and improve accuracy.
Ten cameras are installed at each of the host stadiums, which UEFA says track 29 different points on each player’s body. Combined with the tournament’s official ball, which has a sensor to help detect every touch, and AI, the decision-making process should be faster and more conclusive than before.
Perhaps too conclusive for some. from Belgium Romelu Lukaku had three goals disallowed in the first two games – two due to offside and one due to a handball from teammate Loïs Openda in the build-up, which was detected by the ball sensor.
Goal line technology has ended the debate over marginal decisions in terms of whether the ball crossed the line. There are seven cameras at each goal and a signal is sent to the referee’s watch, which vibrates if the ball crosses the line. UEFA says results are sent one second after the action.
Although the Adidas Fussballiebe, which is the official ball of the Euros, is helping with offside calls, it also appears to be a hit with players.
It’s made from recycled polyester and other materials including corn fibers, sugar cane and wood pulp, and players have talked about the speed and distance it generates.
This seems to be evident judging by the number of impressive long-range goals scored during the group stage, such as Arda Guler’s curling effort from around 20 meters in Türkiye’s 3-1 victory over Georgia.
Coaches are trying to find an advantage whenever they can.
England players were seen wearing smart rings.
“The idea is to help monitor sleep, which is the biggest factor in terms of recovery,” said England manager Gareth Southgate. “So no matter what the world comes up with, the best things to help with recovery are sleep and nutrition. We are not monitoring the players, but this allows them to monitor their own recovery.”
Cristiano Ronaldo is an ambassador for a band that monitors sleep and biometric data such as cardiovascular and muscular load.
Tracking vests have long been used to measure distances covered by players.
Southgate is also using a smartwatch that costs $6,500, has its own tracking capabilities and also provides score alerts during the tournament.
An unexpected wearable is Kylian Mbappe’s personalized protective mask – the French striker needed that after breaking his nose in his debut game.
Teams have a suite of recovery devices to help players deal with the tournament’s congested schedule.
Spain’s base camp at Donaueschingen has a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, a cryogenic chamber and a phototherapy bed to help speed up muscle recovery after a training session or game.
A hyperbaric oxygen chamber is used to breathe 100% pure oxygen. Cryogenic treatment involves the use of cold temperatures, while phototherapy uses light.
“This works wonders after the intense games we have here at the Euros. We will take advantage of anything that can give us an advantage,” said Spanish striker Nico Williams on Instagram.
England captain Harry Kane wore air compression boots, which massage players’ legs and increase circulation.
Boredom can be one of the biggest problems to face during a long tournament, with players spending time away from home, family and friends.
They can often be seen arriving at stadiums with their state-of-the-art noise-cancelling headphones. However, not every player uses the latest technology – Englishman Cole Palmer has been spotted using wired headphones.
Personal devices are a must, with smartphones, pads and gaming devices often on hand. German Kai Havertz was seen carrying a popular video game console as he got off the team bus.
Germany’s base in Herzogenaurach also has a giant movie screen next to an outdoor pool.
All devices are not just for fun or distraction. For the 16-year-old Spanish winger Lamine YamalYour free time can be occupied by doing homework on your pad.
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James Robson is in https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson
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