UEFA to Introduce High-Tech Ball in Euro 2024

UEFA have decided to introduce a new ball at the men’s Euro 2024 tournament in Germany next year, which will result in faster in-match decisions.

The ball – which is created by the German sportswear brand Adidas – is called the “Fussballliebe” and will contain a microchip that can send precise real-time data to match officials.

Speaking to an international publication on Tuesday, 5 December, UEFA revealed the ball will produce “unprecedented insight into every element of the movement of the ball, contributing to the video assistant referee (VAR) decision-making process.”

The rechargeable motion sensor will be able to detect if the ball was touched and at exactly what time the interaction took place. However, it will not be able to indicate which body part touched the ball and as such, referees will still need to refer back to video footage of the moment.

Many football associations are considering incorporating the microchip into their in-game decision-making process. Some soccer fans may recall the chip appearing in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar last year.

The English Premier League are reportedly also considering switching to the chip system; however Nike – its main sportswear sponsor – has yet to create a ball the organisation is happy with.

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