FIFA tests new technology to detect offside and out of play: what is known

FIFA tests new technology that can determine if the ball was out of bounds before a goal was scored, the organization’s press service reported.

The "Out of Bounds" technology was trialed in three matches of the FIFA 2025 Intercontinental Cup in Qatar. The innovation was tested in the quarterfinal and semifinal matches, as well as in the final between PSG and Flamengo. In that match, the team of Ukrainian defender Illia Zabarnyi won the trophy.

How does the new technology work?

This innovation uses the same tracking points as semi-automated offside technologies. At the Qatar tournament, a system of 16 optical cameras installed under the stadium roof was used. Referees also received real-time offside alerts based on 29 data points on the players' bodies and the ball.

Balls were also equipped with sensors tracking 500 metrics per second, which can help VAR determine player contact with the ball and the exact moment of the strike. Referees tested this technology for offside and out-of-bounds decisions. It can also be used during penalty execution, with automatic notifications regarding goalkeeper activity with the ball.

The innovative technology is designed to quickly inform VAR whether the ball went out of bounds before a goal was scored. In particular, it helped resolve an incident in the first half of the Intercontinental Cup final: in the 38th minute, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia sent the ball into the goal, but it was disallowed because the system detected the ball went out of bounds.

FIFA also tested "real-time 3D replay" technology for the first time to identify offsides more quickly and clearly in live view. It provides two virtual broadcasts for the video assistant referee, showing both goalkeepers.

It is currently unknown whether these technologies will be available for national leagues, as they remain in offline testing.