As the world has moved on, we have successfully integrated technology into our lives. The sheer advancement in technology since the beginning of this century is breathtaking.
For better or for worse technology has changed the world forever. It has affected almost every area of life and industry.
Football is no exception.
Football has been influenced by technology in a variety of ways, from broadcasting to player analysis, football has become larger, better, and more efficient as a result of its integration with technology.
It has also impacted the game in decision-making processes, an extra measure to make the referee’s job easier.
Goal-line technology has been a game-changer since its inception and although VAR gets a lot of criticism, we have to accept that it is the future.
VAR for all its downsides, if it is applied in a precise and efficient manner will only benefit the game.
Every new technology takes time to adapt and some tweaks and changes are required. VAR is no different and it will surely get better as years pass by.
It is an interesting conversation to have when it comes to football and technology. There is a whole realm of possibilities out there when you integrate these two.
So, let’s discuss how technology or certain tweaks and changes in the existing technologies can make our beautiful game even better.
Line technology
Well, there is goal-line technology that predicts goal or no goal, what’s stopping us from applying the same when it comes to the lines?
Now its application might seem to solve trivial issues, like the ones related to sidelines, such as whether it’s a throw-in or not, or whether it’s a corner or not, but its true application is in judging penalties.
When a foul is being committed extremely close to the D-line, the margins are very minute, and it comes down to whether the foul was committed inside the box or outside of it.
This technology can help the referees in deciding that.
We all know how big of a decision a penalty is, and if anything is assisting in making that call, it should be most welcomed.
A simple check of the wrist would confirm whether a penalty should or should not be given.
Change the clock
It is estimated that up to 50% of match time is wasted in taking set-pieces, making substitutions, recovering balls from the ball boys, and so on (i.e the ball is not in play). That’s 45 minutes of extra football that fans can watch and enjoy.
A further time is wasted for goal celebration and by the end of the match, a maximum of 6-7 minutes is added. Whereas the count should be at least in double digits.
Alternatives to this problem could be to imply a stopped clock like the one used in Rugby and other sports.
It would get rid of time-wasting and there’d be more time for goals to be scored.
Alternate camera angles
Now all of those who have played the FIFA video games would know, that the game allows to change the camera angles.
Now majority would prefer the default setting but a minority might indulge in using a different camera angle.
Now this same principle can be applied to the broadcasting of football matches.
Why not give supporters a couple of alternate watching options?
The cameramen are already set up for close-ups, replays, and so on. So, it would almost certainly be a simple matter of permitting various streams to go live from different cameras.
It may give viewers the impression that they are in the stands rather than at home watching TV. However, in general, it would just improve the football viewing experience.
Make VAR a review system
Why not just have a review system instead of VAR examining every large occurrence in a sluggish, time-consuming manner that is frustrating for everyone involved?
A team receives two reviews challenges every match, and if the appeal is right, the team does not lose a challenge. If it is incorrect, the team fails the task. Just like how it is in other sports like tennis and cricket.
It would prevent VAR from delaying down matches and instead of players shouting down the referee’s throat they can officially challenge the decision!
