How is AI helping FIFA detect offsides? – DW – 11/29/2022

FIFA is using new artificial intelligence to help referees call offsides in this year's World Cup. The system is called semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) and uses 12 cameras attached to the roof of the stadium to track the ball and each player's movements. SAOT uses artificial intelligence to recognize and track players and the ball, calculating their positions 50 times per second. A sensor is attached to the official Qatar 2022 World Cup ball, called Al Rihla -- Arabic for "the journey" -- allowing SAOT to compare the exact moment it was kicked with the position of the team's last defender and the opposing team's striker. This level of precision is key for very tight situations in which it's difficult for referees to quickly call offsides.