FIFA's Latest Innovation: AI Avatars to Revolutionize VAR Offside Decisions
In a move aimed at increasing accuracy in offside decisions, FIFA is set to introduce a new technology that uses player-specific "AI avatars" to help video assistant referees (VARs) make calls during the upcoming World Cup. These avatars will be created by digitally scanning every player participating in the tournament, providing a highly accurate representation of their physical dimensions.
This innovation is part of a broader package of technological measures announced by FIFA president Gianni Infantino at the Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas. The AI-enabled 3D avatars are expected to provide precise player identification and tracking, leading to faster decision-making and clearer communication among all stakeholders.
Currently, semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) relies on cameras identifying the ball's position and tracking data points related to a player's location. However, graphical models used to reach decisions do not always align with a player's actual size. The introduction of personalized avatars is expected to address this issue, allowing the system to track players more reliably during fast or obstructed movements.
This development could have a significant impact on offside calls, potentially leading to different outcomes for players of varying heights. For instance, fans may wonder whether an 6ft 5in player like Erling Haaland will be more likely to be flagged offside compared to a 5ft 7in player like Lionel Messi.
Each player is set to undergo digital scanning before the World Cup, with the process expected to take approximately one second and capture highly accurate body-part dimensions. These models will then be used by VARs in calculating offside via SAOT, potentially leading to more accurate and engaging decisions for fans at stadiums and viewers around the world.
In addition to this innovation, FIFA has also announced a new data platform – Football AI Pro – designed to help level the playing field between nations with varying resources. This expanded relationship with technology partner Lenovo will provide all participating nations with access to this platform during the World Cup.
The introduction of AI avatars and the associated technological measures is seen as a major step forward for FIFA, setting the stage for the 2026 World Cup, which Infantino describes as "the greatest show ever on planet Earth." With millions expected to attend matches in person and billions more watching from home, this technology could play a significant role in enhancing the overall fan experience.
In a move aimed at increasing accuracy in offside decisions, FIFA is set to introduce a new technology that uses player-specific "AI avatars" to help video assistant referees (VARs) make calls during the upcoming World Cup. These avatars will be created by digitally scanning every player participating in the tournament, providing a highly accurate representation of their physical dimensions.
This innovation is part of a broader package of technological measures announced by FIFA president Gianni Infantino at the Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas. The AI-enabled 3D avatars are expected to provide precise player identification and tracking, leading to faster decision-making and clearer communication among all stakeholders.
Currently, semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) relies on cameras identifying the ball's position and tracking data points related to a player's location. However, graphical models used to reach decisions do not always align with a player's actual size. The introduction of personalized avatars is expected to address this issue, allowing the system to track players more reliably during fast or obstructed movements.
This development could have a significant impact on offside calls, potentially leading to different outcomes for players of varying heights. For instance, fans may wonder whether an 6ft 5in player like Erling Haaland will be more likely to be flagged offside compared to a 5ft 7in player like Lionel Messi.
Each player is set to undergo digital scanning before the World Cup, with the process expected to take approximately one second and capture highly accurate body-part dimensions. These models will then be used by VARs in calculating offside via SAOT, potentially leading to more accurate and engaging decisions for fans at stadiums and viewers around the world.
In addition to this innovation, FIFA has also announced a new data platform – Football AI Pro – designed to help level the playing field between nations with varying resources. This expanded relationship with technology partner Lenovo will provide all participating nations with access to this platform during the World Cup.
The introduction of AI avatars and the associated technological measures is seen as a major step forward for FIFA, setting the stage for the 2026 World Cup, which Infantino describes as "the greatest show ever on planet Earth." With millions expected to attend matches in person and billions more watching from home, this technology could play a significant role in enhancing the overall fan experience.
I gotta say, AI avatars for VAR offside decisions is straight fire 
! No way we should have to rely on cameras trying to figure out who's where on the field. It's all about accuracy now and no room for human error 
. And can you imagine how much more interesting the game becomes when an 6ft 5in player like Erling Haaland is more likely to get flagged offside? 
The VARs are gonna have a lot less work, which means we'll see more goals being scored and fans getting home early to watch the highlights 
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. Using AI avatars to track player movements and dimensions seems like a game-changer for VAR offside decisions. I mean, can you imagine how different Haaland's chances would be if he was 5in shorter? 
It's gonna be wild watching these avatars in action at the World Cup! The idea of players getting digitally scanned before the tournament is pretty cool too - it's like they're basically making a digital replica of themselves. I just hope it all goes smoothly and we don't see any glitches or bugs ruining the experience for fans. 
but at the same time makes u wonder if its gonna take away that human element u know like VARs are supposed to be like 2nd eyes for the refs but now u got AI avatars doin all the heavy lifting what does that mean 4 the player ? is it gonna change the game in terms of strategy or would it just lead 2 more confusion 
! ai avatars for var decisions? that's like having a virtual teammate helping you out on the pitch lol. can't wait to see how it all plays out at the world cup. erling haaland and lionel messi, what's the diff? 
. It's crazy how much of a difference it can make, especially for players with different heights. I mean, imagine Erling Haaland getting flagged for offside more often than Messi? 
The technology's accuracy is gonna be lit 
This move shows FIFA is willing to invest in tech to improve the game, which is awesome 
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️. With personalized avatars, VARs might have an easier time making calls, which could lead to more exciting and unpredictable outcomes on the pitch 
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It's interesting to think about how fans like us might react to these new decisions. Do you think it'll change the game as much as we think it will? 
FIFA is literally changing the game with these AI avatars 
this is gonna be lit
i mean erling haaland is super tall so would he be more likely to get flagged offside cuz of that? 
also how fast are these digital scans taking gonna take like 1 second or whats that even for a human 
Are the benefits worth it for fans? 
anyway, its all about making the game more accurate and fun to watch i guess.
. And I get it, right now they gotta rely on cameras and stuff, but this is like next level 
. The fact that each player has a digital scan done on them beforehand, it's crazy how accurate those avatars are gonna be! It's not just about accuracy though, it's also about enhancing the fan experience 
. I mean, can you imagine seeing your favorite player's avatar on screen during a match? Sounds like a dream come true 
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I mean, think about it, no more guessing whether Messi will be flagged for offside because of his height