FIFA Trials Innovative Technology to Detect Ball Out of Play and Offside Decisions
By Dale Johnson, Football Issues Correspondent
Published 22 December 2025
FIFA is currently testing groundbreaking technology designed to enhance decision-making accuracy in football by determining whether the ball has gone out of play before a goal is scored, as well as improving offside rulings. The "Out of Bounds" system and an advanced "Real-time 3D Recreation" feature were trialed during three Intercontinental Cup matches held in Qatar earlier this month.
New Tools to Resolve Controversial Moments
The "Out of Bounds" innovation applies the same tracking data mechanics used in semi-automated offside technology. By mapping exact ball positions with precision, it can clarify contentious calls about whether the ball fully crossed the boundary lines during match play. These incidents have long sparked debate in top leagues such as the Premier League, where camera angles and human error sometimes impede decisive rulings.
During the recent Intercontinental Cup final, Paris Saint-Germain’s Fabian Ruiz had a goal disallowed after VAR confirmed that the ball had gone out of play — a moment that showcased the potential usefulness of the new system.
Alongside this, FIFA has expanded the use of "Real-time 3D Recreation" technology to improve line-of-sight assessments for offside decisions. This feature generates virtual feeds replicating the perspectives of both goalkeepers on the field. These visualizations are available to video assistant referees (VAR) as well as television viewers, offering a clearer and faster understanding of offside situations.
Collaboration with Hawk-Eye Innovations
These advancements have been developed jointly by FIFA and Hawk-Eye Innovations, specialists in sports officiating technology. While trials are currently conducted offline, the positive demonstration in Qatar offers a glimpse of their reliability. However, it remains uncertain whether these technologies will be adopted by domestic football leagues worldwide.
Addressing the Challenges of Offside Calls
Recent seasons in the Premier League have been marked by numerous controversial calls that could have been resolved with these technologies. For example, two years ago, Arsenal’s frustration stemmed from a VAR decision that upheld a goal for Newcastle after Joe Willock’s clearance was ruled to have kept the ball in play— despite uncertainty due to insufficient camera coverage.
This season, additional offside controversies arose from "line of sight" complications. When Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze scored against Tottenham Hotspur in November, there were debates about whether Leandro Trossard obstructed goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario’s view of the ball, affecting the offside decision.
To expedite offside decisions further, FIFA also trialed immediate audio alerts to assistant referees during the Intercontinental Cup — technology that first appeared at the Club World Cup earlier this year. The aim is to reduce delayed offside flags and speed up game flow.
Player Safety Among Motivations
FIFA’s push for faster offside notifications also stems from concerns for player safety. An alarming incident in May saw Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi placed into an induced coma following a collision with a goalpost that occurred after play was allowed to continue from a clear offside. Quicker official responses could prevent such dangerous situations.
Looking Ahead
The introduction of these technologies signals FIFA’s commitment to using innovation to improve the fairness and safety of football. While their implementation in international events is progressing, the football community awaits decisions on their integration into domestic leagues like the Premier League.
As the sport continues to embrace technological tools to support referees, fans and players alike can look forward to a future with fewer contentious moments and enhanced game integrity.
For further coverage on football innovations and match updates, visit BBC Sport.
