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FIFA’s World Cup technology runs into extra time as tough decisions are made

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Video-assistant refereeing and automated offside technology are on show at the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup

At the end of the 2018 FIFA Men’s World Cup in Russia, President Gianni Infantino kicked off a new vision: to harness the full potential of computers in football.

FIFA started working with researchers, football teams and players to bring the latest cutting edge technology into the game.

At this year’s Men’s World Cup in Qatar, video-assistant refereeing (VAR), semi-automated offside technology, and a sensor-filled football have made their mark on the game.

“FIFA is committed to harnessing technology to improve the game of football at all levels, and the use of semi-automated offside technology at the FIFA World Cup in 2022 is the clearest possible evidence,” Mr Infantino said.

Australian researchers were part of the partnership to bring this innovation to life in Qatar.

Professor Robert Aughey is from Victoria University, who recently became the first university in the world to become an official FIFA Research Institute for Football Technology.

“It’s speeding the game up in terms of how video-assisted referees are able to operate, and it’s even more accuracy in decisions,” he said.

Professor Robert Aughey collaborated with FIFA on the technology.

Researchers used biomechanics, exercise physiology and data analytics to meet FIFA’s technology brief. The university has previously developed wearable technologies with the Western Bulldogs in the Australian Football League Club.

How does the technology work?

The technology uses 12 dedicated tracking cameras, which are mounted underneath the roof of Qatari stadiums to track the ball.

Twenty-nine data points are attached to each individual player, which are then tracked 50 times per second.

Together, they calculate a player’s exact position on the pitch and can determine whether they are offside.

“It’s really exciting that we are expanding our collaboration in a much deeper and more meaningful way with one of the biggest brands in the world,” Professor Aughey said.

The official match ball for the Qatar World Cup, known as Al Rihla, also uses real-time sensors.

These devices feed into FIFA’s video operation room at 500 times per second. It means even the most precise movements, or tight offside offences can be detected.

Professor Aughey said his team of researchers filed a 10-page document responding to questions from FIFA, while travelling home from Zurich.

“As researchers, we could be quick, agile and responsive.”

The technology was trialled at several test events and live at FIFA tournaments before the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup.

Does it ever get it wrong?

In the final Group D match at this year’s World Cup, French forward Antoine Griezmann had his goal overturned against Tunisia.

France ultimately lost the game 1-0 because over a VAR review of Griezmann’s goal in the 98th minute of the match.

The goal was controversially ruled out as offside despite defender Montassar Talbi touching the ball before it fell to Griezmann.

The French National Football Team subsequently filed a complaint, after referee Matthew Conger elected to continue play with kick-off.

“We are writing a complaint after Antoine Griezmann’s goal was, in our opinion, wrongly disallowed,” the team said.

Antoine Griezmann’s goal against Tunisia was disallowed.

However, FIFA’s disciplinary committee shut down the claims five days later.

In a statement, the organisation said it had “dismissed the protest submitted by the French Football Association in relation to the Tunisia v. France FIFA World Cup match played on Nov. 30.”

Similarly, a Japanese goal was allowed to stand against Spain despite VAR ruling it had not not crossed the line.

Alternative angles reportedly led to the VAR team’s decision, which showed the whole ball had not been out of play.

Professor Aughey said FIFA has rigorously tested the technology to prove its worth.

“If there’s been some sort of error in the process, perhaps there is recourse there. But I seriously doubt that will actually happen,” he said.

Costa is a news producer at ticker NEWS. He has previously worked as a regional journalist at the Southern Highlands Express newspaper. He also has several years' experience in the fire and emergency services sector, where he has worked with researchers, policymakers and local communities. He has also worked at the Seven Network during their Olympic Games coverage and in the ABC Melbourne newsroom. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Professional), with expertise in journalism, politics and international relations. His other interests include colonial legacies in the Pacific, counter-terrorism, aviation and travel.

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Powell warns against further December interest rate cuts

Powell warns against assumptions of further rate cuts, highlighting divisions within the Fed amid ongoing economic uncertainties

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Powell warns against assumptions of further rate cuts, highlighting divisions within the Fed amid ongoing economic uncertainties

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In Short:
– Jerome Powell stated further interest rate cuts are uncertain after recent decreases, aiming to manage market expectations.
– The Fed ended its balance sheet reduction due to lending market disruptions and mixed views on future rate cuts among officials.

Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell indicated that further interest rate cuts are not guaranteed following the recent decrease. In a press conference, he stated that a further reduction in December is “far from” certain. His comments aimed to temper market expectations, where the likelihood of another cut was previously estimated at over 90 per cent.In response to Powell’s remarks, yields on the two-year treasury rose, and traders adjusted their expectations, now estimating a 60 per cent chance of a December reduction. Recently, the Federal Open Market Committee voted 10-2 to lower the federal funds rate target range to 3.75-4 per cent, in response to concerns about the labour market.

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The Fed has also announced an end to its balance sheet reduction efforts due to disruptions in short-term lending markets. Since 2022, the bank has reduced its asset holdings by over $US2 trillion following aggressive purchases aimed at stabilising the economy after the pandemic.

Policy Divisions

Recent post-meeting statements highlighted mixed views among Fed officials about the pace of future rate cuts. Powell remarked that uncertainty surrounding economic conditions necessitates a cautious approach. Ongoing government shutdowns have limited policymakers’ access to crucial economic data, complicating decision-making.

Recent labour market developments show slowed job gains, raising concerns about employment. The Fed is also cautious about reducing rates too quickly due to inflation remaining above their 2 per cent target, reflecting a complex economic landscape. Policymakers have struggled with decisions amid data limitations from the government shutdown, impacting their assessments of inflation and economic indicators.


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Trump finalises trade deal with South Korea at summit

Trump and South Korea finalise trade deal as he prepares for vital summit with Xi Jinping in Busan

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Trump and South Korea finalise trade deal as he prepares for vital summit with Xi Jinping in Busan

<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/GB4FDyAt_a4?si=lN5bO3Upkyr75zAa” title=”YouTube video player” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share” referrerpolicy=”strict-origin-when-cross-origin” allowfullscreen></iframe>
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In Short:
– Trump and South Korea’s Lee finalised a trade deal requiring $350 billion in U.S. investments.
– Trump anticipates favourable talks with China to reduce tariffs and improve relations.

Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung finalised a contentious trade deal at a summit in South Korea on Wednesday. The U.S. President expressed optimism about an upcoming summit with China’s Xi Jinping.The agreement, unveiled in late July, stipulated that South Korea would make $350 billion in new investments in the U.S. to avoid significant tariffs on imports. However, negotiations on the investment structure had stalled.

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Trump and Lee reached a compromise allowing Seoul to divide its $350 billion investment into $200 billion in cash, paid in $20 billion instalments. The remaining $150 billion will be allocated to shipbuilding investments.

Upon arrival from Tokyo, following a North Korea missile test, President Trump received an extravagant welcome in the historic city of Gyeongju, the venue for this year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

His discussions with Xi are scheduled for Thursday in Busan. Trump downplayed the North Korea missile test and focused on his meeting with Xi, the leader of the world’s second-largest economy.

“I think we’re going to have a very good outcome for our country and for the world,” Trump stated. He anticipates reducing U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports in exchange for China agreeing to control the export of fentanyl precursor chemicals. The Wall Street Journal reported that tariffs could be halved from the current 20%.

China’s foreign ministry indicated that the upcoming meeting would foster positive developments in U.S.-China relations.

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December rate cut all but locked in

Australia’s economy struggles; rate cut impending but signals deeper issues, not recovery. #RBA #InterestRates #FinanceNews

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Australia’s economy struggles; rate cut impending but signals deeper issues, not recovery. #RBA #InterestRates #FinanceNews


Australia’s economy is losing steam, with weak consumer confidence, falling job ads, and a struggling construction sector, a December rate cut now seems inevitable. But it won’t be a win, it’ll be a warning.

#RBA #InterestRates #AustraliaEconomy #Inflation #Growth #Recession #FinanceNews #CPI #Economy #RateCut


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