Technology is constantly evolving at an incredible pace. As a result, more technological advancements are introduced and implemented across various sectors every day. One industry that has benefited tremendously from this is sports.
Soccer, in particular, one of the most beloved games played across the world, has been revolutionized by technology through things like VAR and Goal Line Technology. Among providing many more impactful refereeing decisions (and plenty of controversy too), here’s a look at some of the main ways technology has revolutionized soccer.
Blockchain Technology
Since the introduction of digital currencies, the use cases of blockchain technology have already been explored across various sectors. With cryptocurrency becoming more widely accepted than ever, blockchain technology has had a massive indirect effect on soccer and many other sports through its use in online betting sites.
According to crypto expert Kane Pepi, crypto-based, no-verification betting sites streamline signup processes as they don’t require users to upload their ID documents, feature faster payouts, and are more secure and anonymous since they accept cryptocurrency payments. Between requiring less sensitive information from users, employing fair gaming practices, and offering near-instant withdrawals, these platforms have intertwined soccer and blockchain through the myriad of online soccer bets placed on such sites every day now across the entire world.
However, before jumping into the world of digital sports betting and online gambling, experts caution players to ensure that the platforms they play on have been properly vetted for things like security, fairness, and proper licensing. As these two sectors become more and more intertwined, the reach of cryptocurrencies in sports is booming.
Most recently, UK-based club Real Bedford FC bought large amounts of Bitcoin to increase their treasury. Furthermore, the club’s management is well-known for embracing new technologies within the sport. The total of their Bitcoin treasury reserve is now said to be around 82.7 BTC (approximately $5.37 million). The RBFC club has stated they plan to use some of the Bitcoin assets (15.8 BTC) for various soccer matters, whereas the rest will be held in the treasury.
On the other hand, Tottenham Hotspur has a sleeve sponsorship deal in place with Kraken, a global giant crypto exchange. An equivalent deal is in place with Atletico Madrid and even Man City have joined the party through their deal with OKX—underscoring how much blockchain and cryptocurrency technology has grown in soccer.
AI-Powered Player Identification
One of the most revolutionary ways that technology has affected the sport is through AI-powered player identification. In the past, coaches needed to spend days reviewing videos of previous seasons to gather insights.
However, with the emergence of AI, they can now do this within a matter of minutes; speeding up the process and making it more efficient. AI works in this instance by employing complex algorithms that analyze the footage while paying close attention to key aspects of each player.
For example, they can look at metrics such as passing accuracy, average running speed, and acceleration to compile detailed profile reports. Coaches can then use these statistics to make more impactful decisions for their team. AI-powered player identification simplifies time-consuming tasks and enables coaches to make data-driven decisions that positively impact the whole team.
Refereeing and Fair Play
Technology can also help to reduce referee mistakes and ensure that the game is conducted fairly. For example, soccer goal-line technology can drastically reduce the amount of incorrect cases where a goal is scored, thus increasing efficiency and enhancing the overall experience. Several other sporting sectors have implemented similar technology within their game such as tennis and cricket. In addition, Video Assisted Referee (VAR) technology can help reduce human error.
Another impactful but newer technology that has been gaining traction has to do with offside offenses. This technology utilizes cameras to track players and the ball to identify whether an offside offense has occurred. All these technological advancements contribute to an overall improved experience and ensure that fair play remains at the forefront. While VAR has already led to a lot of controversy, most experts agree that it’s still better for the game.
The Power of AR and VR In Soccer
In terms of training, virtual reality technology in sports has shown much promise in several sectors. Players can now train in virtual matches that closely resemble reality while improving their performance and enabling them to make better decisions.
In addition, this reduces the need to run multiple drills that can often result in the player overtraining or sustaining injury. This of course also translates to players having to spend less time in training and therefore further decreasing the chances of overtraining.
AR and VR technology can also improve how fans experience the games. For instance, fans can wear AR glasses that provide them with statistics about the match they are watching. As for VR, it can let them feel that they are right there on the field with their favorite players.
Smart Wearable Devices and Data Analysis
Probably one of the most noticeable areas where technology can impact soccer is through smart wearable devices. These devices can track a player’s heart rate, steps taken, amount of calories burned, distance covered, and much more.
Players can wear this smart technology in training and real matches. Furthermore, this data allows coaches to have a deeper analytical understanding of each player’s performance. As such, they can make impactful decisions based on data that was gathered in real time.
Another crucial component that wearable technology offers is that some of them can track the player’s vital signs and then alert coaches if a player were to sustain an injury. This allows coaches and medical professionals to act quickly before the minor injury has a chance to become severe.
In addition to preventing injuries, smart wearable devices can also reveal essential areas in player performance that are lacking and where improvements are needed. This real-time data can prove extremely valuable in making decisions that are best for the person and the team.
As technology continues to evolve, it is likely we will see soccer embrace new technologies that benefit the sport. Currently, we can only speculate what this might be. Considering how much technology has already impacted soccer, it is exciting to think about the possibilities we could see in the near future.
The published material expresses the position of the author, which may not coincide with the opinion of the editor.