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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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It’s Election Eve in the race for the White House

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It’s Election Eve in the United States and the 2024 Presidential race is neck-and-neck.

The 2024 Presidential Race is proving to be one of the closest and most contentious in recent history, with the candidates seemingly neck and neck in key battleground states.

But, the big question is whether or not these polls are accurate?

Will the election results be a story of former President Donald Trump pulling off the greatest comeback in American political history or will Vice-President Kamala Harris deliver an unprecedented victory after her late entrance into the race?

Oz Sultan, the Chief Strategist with the Sultan Interactive Group joins Veronica Dudo to discuss.

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POLLS: presidential race is neck-and-neck

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Both candidates rally in Pennsylvania as over 77 million Americans have already cast their votes.

On the eve of Election Day, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are making their final campaign stops in the key battleground state of Pennsylvania.

With over 77 million Americans already casting ballots, both candidates are seizing their last opportunity to appeal to undecided voters in a state that could sway the 2024 election outcome.

Trump, the Republican candidate, is holding rallies in Reading and Pittsburgh, focusing on issues like the economy, job growth, and border security.

Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, is also dedicating her last campaign day to Pennsylvania, underscoring the state’s critical role in securing a path to victory.

Harris’s events span from Allentown to Pittsburgh and include a high-energy concert in Philadelphia with celebrity appearances aimed at mobilizing young voters.

Both candidates are delivering messages that underscore their visions for the future, hoping to capture last-minute support in the final hours.

With both campaigns converging in Pennsylvania, all eyes are on the state as the nation awaits the results of one of the most pivotal elections in recent history.

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Election enters final sprint amid historic stakes

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A historic U.S. presidential race heads into its final day, with Donald Trump and Kamala Harris racing to sway voters.

Both candidates paint the election as pivotal, splitting the nation down the middle in key battleground states.

Trump, rallying in North Carolina, urged his supporters to “get everybody out and vote.”

Harris focused her final push on Pennsylvania, aiming to energize voters in the crucial swing state.

This election is marked by record-breaking early voting, with over 78 million ballots already cast.

The close race could mean a delayed result, leaving the nation in suspense beyond Election Day.

Voter turnout

Vice President Kamala Harris fired up supporters at a get-out-the-vote rally in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on election eve.

With banners reading “VOTE FOR FREEDOM,” she urged volunteers to make the final 24 hours count.

Harris drew a contrast with her opponent, Trump, pointing out “a huge difference” between them.

The Democratic nominee planned four events across Pennsylvania as polls show a neck-and-neck race.

Recalling her early campaign days, Harris fondly shared how she once used an ironing board as a mobile campaign desk.

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