Three New Challenges Review Eligible Transactions
The latest FIFA Innovation Program invites technology companies and research teams to develop practical solutions to specific challenges in professional football. The three initiatives include connected equipment to manage substitutions, devices to monitor players’ physical condition and technologies designed to improve the fan experience at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Applications for the tournament competition remain open until November 1, 2026. Selected proposals may undergo hands-on testing, but participation does not guarantee product acceptance. FIFA must first determine whether the equipment performs reliably under real match conditions.
The distinction between testing technology and implementing an official rule is important because changes to football operations affect more than the match officials who use the equipment. Broadcasters, stadium officials and digital sports services rely on accurate information about substitutions, disciplinary decisions and suspensions. for platforms like 1xbetaccurate match data is particularly important as referee decisions can affect live statistics, betting markets and the timing of odds updates. However, faster hardware does not automatically change how individual operators calculate bets. Consistent data must be provided before the wider impact of new technologies on football services can be properly assessed.
Connected Substitution Boards can eliminate Manual Delays
One of FIFA’s newest projects focuses on electronic switchboards that connect directly to match management software. Traditional scoreboards require the fourth official to manually enter the number of players coming and going, adding an extra step for each substitution. FIFA is looking for lightweight, durable devices that can automatically receive this information from existing systems. The proposed technology can simplify communication between the technical area, match officials and spectators inside the stadium. This can also reduce the risk of incorrect player numbers being displayed. However, the project is still under development and evaluation, with no confirmed date for widespread implementation.
What the new Systems are expected to handle
The attached replacement board will function as part of a larger digital process rather than as a stand-alone display. Match officials will still be responsible for allowing substitutions, checking player eligibility and enforcing competition rules. The hardware will largely eliminate repetitive manual entry and help keep disparate compliance data systems in sync. FIFA’s September announcement sets out a number of practical requirements that developers must address before testing solutions. The proposed technology should be able to perform the following functions:
Obtain substitution information from the applicable match management software.
Automatically display incoming and outgoing player numbers.
Stay light, durable and practical for use near the pitch.
Support a coordinated digital procedure for teams and match officials.
Video Support Offers a Simpler Alternative to Full VAR
FIFA is also continuing to trial Football Video Support (FVS), a more cost-effective form of video assistance than the traditional Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. Rather than relying on a dedicated team of video officials to continuously monitor incidents, FVS allows authorized team representatives to request an investigation according to an approved procedure. The judge then reviews the available footage before making a final decision. This approach is primarily intended for competitions that do not have the resources to run a full VAR. However, the number of inspection requests and the incidents eligible for examination depend on the rules of the particular trial.
FVS has already been tested in FIFA competitions and domestic football, providing organizers with practical information on operating costs, equipment requirements and viewing times. One limitation is that the available camera angles may be less comprehensive than those used in major international tournaments. If the decisive event is not clearly recorded, the judge will not be able to determine exactly what happened. FVS therefore offers an alternative approach to video assistance rather than completely replacing every function of a traditional VAR. FIFA and IFAB continue to assess whether the system can improve decision-making without allowing long delays.
Automated Offside Decisions Reduce time spent on reviews
Semi-automated offside technology addresses another major source of delays in soccer. Traditional video reviews may require officials to determine the exact moment of the pass and manually place the offside lines. FIFA’s advanced system combines automated calculations with player tracking to identify relevant positions more quickly. Video officials can check the proposed contact point and automatically generated offside line before confirming the decision. Previous versions have been tested at FIFA tournaments before the introduction of advanced semi-automated offside technology at the 2026 World Cup. Improvements include detailed 3D player models and clearer visual explanations for viewers. However, decisions to interfere with an opponent still require human judgment.
New Time Rules Target Intentional Disruptions
Technology is just one part of football’s efforts to reduce wasted time. The changes, approved by the IFAB for the 2026/27 season, require that substituted players leave the field within ten seconds of the referee’s signal when the substitution board is displayed or if the board is not in use. If a player exceeds this limit, the substitution must wait until the end of the first stoppage after one minute of playing time after the restart. The rules also introduce a five-second countdown that appears when a team intentionally delays a throw-in or goal kick. If the ball is not put in by the end of the countdown, the ball goes to the opponent, and a late goal kick results in a corner kick for the opposing team.
Why does the judge still make the final decision?
At their meeting on 27 October 2026, IFAB’s advisory panels reviewed the preliminary results of trials aimed at preventing tactical delays involving injured goalkeepers. They also discussed future developments in video refereeing and ways to keep matches flowing. Members did not support the extension of the five-second countdown to corner kicks and free kicks, which involve more complex tactical preparations. Discussions also covered the ongoing offside practice in the Canadian Premier League and potential improvements to VAR. These developments highlight the difference between technological assistance and refereeing. Automated systems may provide information, but officials are responsible for interpreting incidents and applying the Laws of the Game.
FIFA Tests Referee Technology
The September innovation program also includes advanced wearables designed to collect data on players’ physical condition. FIFA is looking for working prototypes that can measure metrics such as workload, hydration, recovery and physiological stress during training or matches. These tools may ultimately provide more timely information to medical and performance teams, although their accuracy and practical value must first be independently evaluated. The third challenge focuses on improving the experience of supporters attending the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Neither initiative directly targets time-wasting, but both contribute to FIFA’s wider efforts to modernize football operations and support infrastructure.
Faster football still depends on real-world testing
FIFA’s latest initiatives show that improving the pace of football requires more than shortening video reviews. Connected substitution boards can eliminate unnecessary manual steps, Football Video Support can make replay assistance more accessible for smaller competitions and advanced offside technology can help officials make decisions faster. Meanwhile, IFAB’s updated timing rules only address delays that equipment cannot prevent. The remaining challenge is to determine whether these solutions perform consistently across full compliances without introducing new complications. Their long-term impact will depend on test results, implementation costs, and how effectively officials can incorporate them into existing procedures.