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The 2024 Euro Ball, the official match ball for the UEFA European Football Championship in Germany, will feature cutting-edge adidas connected ball technology for the first time ever, sending precise data to video officials in real time. With AI integration and player tracking, this 2024 euro ball innovation contributes to UEFA’s semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) and faster in-match decisions.
Alongside SAOT, goal-line technology, VAR, and specialized cameras tracking 29 body points per player, the tango adidas soccer ball promises groundbreaking technological assistance for officials during the month-long, 51-game tournament across 10 German cities.
The Innovative Ball Design
The new Adidas ball design for Euro 2024, named “FUSSBALLLIEBE” (meaning “love of football”), aims to mimic the movement and energy of the game through its prominent black wing shapes accentuated with vibrant red, blue, green, and orange hues, celebrating the vibrancy of international rivals. The design also features illustrations of the tournament stadiums and host cities’ names adorning the ball’s surface.
Visual and Technical Features
The outer shell, called the PRECISIONSHELL, has 20 panels with strategically placed indentations to control airflow for maximum precision, based on meticulous laboratory research. The ball’s interior features Adidas’ CTR-CORE technology, also used in the Al-Rihla World Cup ball, designed for accuracy, consistency, and shape retention. Additionally, the ball is eco-friendly, made with recycled polyester, water-based ink, and sustainable materials like corn fibers, sugar cane, wood pulp, and rubber.
Aerodynamic Technology
The PRECISIONSHELL and CTR-CORE technologies contribute to the ball’s aerodynamic performance, supporting fast and precise play.
Internal Technology for Accurate Decision-Making
Notably, the FUSSBALLLIEBE features Adidas’ Connected Ball Technology, with an internal 500Hz motion sensor that sends real-time ball data to video match officials, complementing UEFA’s semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) and enabling faster, more accurate decisions. This technology also aids VAR officials in detecting individual ball touches, potentially improving handball and penalty incident reviews.
Impact on Officiating Decisions
The connected ball technology and semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) will significantly impact officiating decisions at Euro 2024, leading to faster and more accurate calls.
Offside Decisions
SAOT, alongside the connected ball technology, will immediately identify the precise point of ball contact for offside situations analyzed. This system, already used in the Champions League, Serie A, and the 2022 World Cup, utilizes 10 specialized cameras to track 29 body points on each player. By combining player position data with AI, SAOT will enable quicker and more accurate offside decisions by VAR officials.
Handball Decisions
The connected ball technology can detect when the ball has touched a player’s hand, aiding VAR officials in identifying potential handball incidents. While it cannot determine the specific body part, it will pinpoint the contact point, reducing review time for such decisions. Officials will then use camera footage to assess if a handball offense occurred based on the ball’s point of contact.
Additional Tech Innovations
One notable innovation that fans eagerly anticipated was the return of the “Tiny Football Car” that stole the show at Euro 2020 and the Women’s Euros 2022, delivering the match ball to players before kickoff. However, with Volkswagen not renewing its sponsorship agreement with UEFA, there are concerns that neither the Tiny Football Car nor the Tiny Buzz van will make an appearance at Euro 2024.
The Return of the Tiny Car?
The remote-controlled Tiny Football Car and Tiny Buzz van, which documented their experiences on social media, were a viral sensation at previous tournaments. However, with the Chinese electric car manufacturer BYD replacing Volkswagen as the official mobility partner, there have been no indications of a miniature version being deployed to deliver the FUSSBALLLIEBE ball onto the pitch.
Other technological advancements at Euro 2024 include Atos, a French technology firm, powering the tournament’s official soccer service platform and providing IT services for gameday operations. Deutsche Telekom has also installed 5G antennas, fiber optic lines, and temporary coverage areas to ensure seamless connectivity for spectators, media, and staff.
Conclusion on High Tech 2024 Euro Ball
The 2024 Euro Ball and its accompanying technological innovations mark a significant milestone in the evolution of football officiating. The cutting-edge connected ball technology, coupled with the semi-automated offside system and specialized player tracking, promises faster and more accurate decisions during the highly anticipated tournament. This could potentially enhance the overall viewing experience for fans and ensure fair play on the field.
While the return of the beloved Tiny Football Car remains uncertain, the introduction of these groundbreaking technologies underscores UEFA’s commitment to embracing innovation and elevating the game. As the tournament unfolds, spectators can look forward to witnessing the impact of these advancements, setting the stage for a captivating and technologically advanced footballing experience in Germany.
