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Advanced technology showcased at Euro 2024 is revolutionizing the game of soccer.

John Gibson    Jun 29, 2024

From smart-enabled match balls and artificial intelligence to cryogenic recovery chambers, soccer is being transformed by the cutting-edge technology available to players, coaches, and officials.

This technological evolution has been on full display at Euro 2024, where advancements in equipment and sports science have been deployed both on and off the field to enhance the game, the fan experience, and player welfare.

However, not all innovations have been universally welcomed. There are still complaints about decisions made by video assistant referees (VAR), echoing the controversies that existed before VAR's introduction.

Despite the mixed reception, soccer, the world's most popular sport, continues to be shaped by rapidly developing technologies. VAR decisions at Euro 2024 have become smoother, taking an average of 51 seconds according to UEFA—five seconds quicker than in the Champions League last season. UEFA is employing semi-automated offside technology, along with AI and Adidas' connected ball technology, to speed up the review process and improve accuracy. Each host stadium features ten cameras tracking 29 different points on every player’s body. Combined with the official tournament ball, which has a sensor to detect every touch, this system aims to make decision-making faster and more conclusive.

However, this precision has its detractors. Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku had three goals disallowed in his first two games—two for offside and one for a handball by teammate Loïs Openda, detected by the ball’s sensor.

Goal-line technology has resolved debates over whether the ball has crossed the line. Seven cameras in each goal send a signal to the referee’s watch, vibrating if the ball has crossed the line, with results delivered within one second.

The Adidas Fussballliebe, the official match ball, has also gained favor among players. Made from recycled polyester and materials like corn fibers, sugar cane, and wood pulp, it is praised for its speed and distance. This is evident from the numerous stunning long-range goals scored during the group stage, such as Arda Guler’s 20-meter curling shot in Turkey’s 3-1 win against Georgia.

Coaches are exploring every possible edge, with England’s players wearing smart rings to monitor sleep, which is crucial for recovery. “The best aids for recovery are sleep and nutrition,” said England manager Gareth Southgate. Cristiano Ronaldo promotes a band monitoring sleep and biometric data, while tracking vests have long been used to measure distances covered by players. Southgate himself wears a $6,500 smartwatch with tracking capabilities and score alerts.

France’s Kylian Mbappe uses a custom-made protective mask after breaking his nose in the opening game.

Teams have a suite of recovery devices to help players cope with the tournament schedule. Spain’s base camp features a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, a cryogenic chamber, and a phototherapy bed to speed muscular recovery. “This works wonders after the intense games we have here at the Euros,” Spain forward Nico Williams said on Instagram. England captain Harry Kane uses air compression boots to massage legs and increase circulation.

To combat boredom during the tournament, players often arrive at stadiums with state-of-the-art noise-canceling headphones. However, not all players use the latest technology—England’s Cole Palmer was seen with corded earbuds. Personal devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles, are essential. Germany’s Kai Havertz was spotted with a popular video game console, and Germany’s base in Herzogenaurach features a giant cinema screen by an outdoor pool. For Spain’s 16-year-old winger Lamine Yamal, spare time is spent catching up on homework on his tablet.

The convergence of sports and technology at Euro 2024 illustrates the dynamic landscape of modern soccer, where innovation is central to the game’s evolution.

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