FIFA used the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2019™ as the first testing event of new technology on the road map to 2022/23, which was also the first official showcase event for members of the Working Group of Innovation Excellence. The working group consists of participants from 13 competition organisers from around the world.
In order to test and further develop new and existing technologies, tests were focused on the three high-priority objectives: semi-automated offside technology, low-budget VAR system and improved communication to fans.
A range of offline tests took place at the FIFA Club World Cup with semi-automated offside technology based on limb-tracking technology being tested along with VAR technology operated by the VAR without replay operator, 360 view technology for VAR incidents and finally internal tests of a fan engagement app where the VAR output could be watched in real-time during VAR reviews.
In addition, tests of different goal-line technology providers, optical tracking systems and event data providers were looked at more closely to be improved and developed further.
The results and findings were discussed at the kick-off meeting of the working group that took place on 6 February 2020 at the Home of FIFA in Zurich.
Upcoming testing events
The next testing event on the road map 2022/23 will be held on 4-5 March at the KNVB Campus in Zeist, the Netherlands with a focus on low-budget VAR systems. Additional testing events will be identified in close collaboration with supporting competition organisers.