The FIFA 2018 World Cup is indeed a remarkable one as it is been host in various cities in Russia. It is a spectacular grandeur as the euphoria of the tournament is practically been felt by most people across the world. However, apart from the football drama, there are few other things that grabbed headlines in this world football tournament. There are 4 new technologies that made their debut in the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup, and I will be showing you all of them.

Also read: Russia 2018 World Cup Groups and Countries Plus Host Cities

You might have already heard about Video Assistant Referees (VAR), a system that many fans and football lovers are already talking about. Its decisions have brought lots of controversies and at the same time excitement among viewers of the ongoing FIFA 2018 World Cup taking place in Russia. However, this is not the only new technological advancement that took place in this World Cup, let me show you three others as well.

4 New Technologies That was Introduced in Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup

4 New Technologies That Debuts in Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup

Video-Assisted Referees (VAR)

VAR has been a center of controversy ever since FIFA announced its introduction prior to the commencement of Russia’s 2018 FIFA World Cup. But what actually is VAR all about?

VAR is a video referring system where a team of three referees works together to review certain decisions taking by the man referee on the pitch, by simply watching video replays of relevant incidents that occurred during a match.

The system works in two ways; either the referee on the pitch request for a review or the VAR team can recommend one by themselves. The types of incidents that need the consultation of VAR are four game-changing situations which include; goals, penalties, red cards, and mistaken identity in awarding a card.

For this World Cup Russia 2018, a dedicated video assistant referee team comprising of a lead VAR and three assistant VARs will be located at the Video Operation Room (essentially a bank of monitors offering different camera angles) in the International Broadcast Centre Moscow.

4K UHD Video and VR

For the first time in history, a FIFA world cup was broadcasted in 4K Ultra High Definition and virtual Reality (VR). Although this was experienced a bit in the last world cup in Brazil, it is the first time a 4K feed is being made available to the broadcaster, having in mind that a significant number of viewers have compatible television sets. BBC will also be broadcasting a live VR feed, via its BBC Sport VR application, for viewers who want to experience the stadium feel at the comfort of their homes.

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Electronic Performance and Tracking Systems

The third technological innovation that was introduced in the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup is Electronic Performance and Tracking Systems (EPTS). It is a tablet-based system that gives coaches of all 32 teams, access to player statistics and video footage in real-time.

Each of the 32 teams present at the world cup was given three tablets; one for an analyst in the stand, one for an analyst on the bench, and another for the medical team. Although match footage will be subject to a 30-second delay, alongside stats such as player positioning data, passing, pressing, speed and tackles.

Adidas Telstar Ball

The fourth new technology that was introduced in this FIFA World Cup held in Russia is an Adidas Telstar Ball. Adidas has been the official ball maker for the World Cup since the year 1970 till date. This year’s “Telstar 18” World Cup ball has a brand new carcass and panel design, which according to the manufacturer, improves its performance and durability both on the pitch and on the street. However, the most important aspect of Telstar 18 is the inclusion of a Near Field Communication (NFC) chip. Adidas hasn’t divulged much information regarding its functionalities but still, this is the first time such a technology has been added to a World Cup ball.

That sums up the 4 new technologies that were introduced in Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup. Be sure to share this information among your friends by using the social share buttons found below. You can also subscribe to this blog for the latest news in technology.