FIFA has announced a revolutionary new system for video assistant referee (VAR) decisions in the upcoming World Cup. As part of this innovation, every player at the tournament will be given an AI avatar that accurately replicates their physical appearance.
According to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, these digital avatars will greatly enhance the accuracy of offside calls, which have long been a subject of debate and controversy. By scanning each player's dimensions, the system can ensure precise identification and tracking, even in fast or obstructed movements.
This technology represents a significant advancement over existing semi-automated offside detection (SAOT) systems used in other competitions like the Premier League. While SAOT provides some level of automation, it relies on graphical models that don't account for individual player size, which can lead to discrepancies.
The new AI avatars will enable VAR officials to track players with greater accuracy and reliability, making offside decisions more consistent and predictable. This could have a significant impact on the game, particularly in terms of fan engagement and understanding of the rules.
To further enhance the experience, FIFA plans to incorporate these digital avatars into TV coverage, allowing fans to see the decisions being made more realistically and in greater detail. Each player will undergo a quick scanning process that captures highly accurate body-part dimensions, which will be used to calculate offside calls via SAOT.
In addition to this technological breakthrough, FIFA has also announced a range of other innovations, including a new data platform called Football AI Pro, designed to help level the playing field between nations with varying levels of resources. Lenovo is set to become FIFA's official technology partner, and a special edition of the Motorola Razr phone will be available for fans.
The 2026 World Cup promises to be an unforgettable event, with Infantino describing it as "the greatest show ever on planet Earth". With these cutting-edge technologies in place, fans can expect an even more immersive and engaging experience.
According to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, these digital avatars will greatly enhance the accuracy of offside calls, which have long been a subject of debate and controversy. By scanning each player's dimensions, the system can ensure precise identification and tracking, even in fast or obstructed movements.
This technology represents a significant advancement over existing semi-automated offside detection (SAOT) systems used in other competitions like the Premier League. While SAOT provides some level of automation, it relies on graphical models that don't account for individual player size, which can lead to discrepancies.
The new AI avatars will enable VAR officials to track players with greater accuracy and reliability, making offside decisions more consistent and predictable. This could have a significant impact on the game, particularly in terms of fan engagement and understanding of the rules.
To further enhance the experience, FIFA plans to incorporate these digital avatars into TV coverage, allowing fans to see the decisions being made more realistically and in greater detail. Each player will undergo a quick scanning process that captures highly accurate body-part dimensions, which will be used to calculate offside calls via SAOT.
In addition to this technological breakthrough, FIFA has also announced a range of other innovations, including a new data platform called Football AI Pro, designed to help level the playing field between nations with varying levels of resources. Lenovo is set to become FIFA's official technology partner, and a special edition of the Motorola Razr phone will be available for fans.
The 2026 World Cup promises to be an unforgettable event, with Infantino describing it as "the greatest show ever on planet Earth". With these cutting-edge technologies in place, fans can expect an even more immersive and engaging experience.
! I mean, who wouldn't want to see an AI avatar of their fave player on the pitch? It's gonna make offside calls so much clearer, especially in those crazy fast breaks. And can you imagine watching the game with a 3D version of your favorite player running around? Mind blown! Lenovo and Motorola are gonna crush it as tech partners, that special edition Razr phone is gonna be EVERYTHING 
!
they should also do something with it to make offside calls more fun like if you get flagged for being offsides you can watch your avatar get 'sent packing' 
this will def make the game so much more immersive and i'm hyped to see how it all comes together! 
think its a bit too much tech for the game... just sayin'. dont get me wrong, accuracy matters but do we really need avatars? 
its like overthinking it. also, what about the players themselves? theyre human beings with feelings not digital avatars 
! its like theyre taking football to the next level lol. i mean who needs human refs when ur got ai avatars that look exactly like ur favorite players 
? offside calls just became way more accurate and fun to watch, no more debates about whether thats onside or not... itll be a game changer for sure! plus theyre incorporating these avatars into tv coverage, so u can see the decisions being made in real time 
they're just gonna make the game look like a cartoon, but i guess it's cool that offside calls might be accurate now 
. but what's the point of having these digital avatars if we're still gonna have to watch VAR officials making ridiculous decisions in real life 
. and btw, who needs Lenovo phones for fans when there are already better options out there? just saying 
. And what's up with Lenovo being the official tech partner? Did they actually put in a bid for this or something? 
Also, how much is that Motorola Razr gonna set us back? 
with those AI avatars! Like offside calls are finally gonna be super accurate no more disputes 
and it's not just about the players they're scanning too...it's like the whole game is gonna be enhanced 
can't wait to see these digital avatars on TV and in real life 