World Cup Match Ball to Contain Sensor for AI Refereeing Technology
Adidas and FIFA have announced that new AI technology will be used at this year's World Cup to speed up VAR decision making and improve it's accuracy. The Adidas Al Rihla match ball will contain a sensor suspended in its centre as part of the hi-tech process, making it the first World Cup match ball to feature such technology.
Adidas Al Rihla to Feature In-Ball AI Technology at World Cup
Although VAR was originally introduced primarily to eliminate refereeing errors in relation to offsides and confirmation of goals, many of the calls made using VAR have created controversy nonetheless, as well as causing delays during the match. As a result, further steps have been taken to ensure the correct calls will be made, and more quickly at that.
A new Adidas Suspension System, as seen in the photos above, will allow for the most time-precise motion sensor to ever be used inside a World Cup Official Match Ball, tracking every touch of the game at a rate of 500 times per second. The 500Hz inertial measurement unit (IMU) motion sensor inside the ball will enable the collection of very accurate ball movement data and transmission to Video Match Officials within seconds throughout the tournament.
Adidas say that the sensor in the ball has no effect whatsoever on its performance and is unnoticeable for the players.
Such in-ball technology has already been tested, including at the FIFA Arab Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup 2021 and Adidas say that no perceivable change in performance of the ball was noted. Blind tests were also a part of the trial process. FIFA and KINEXON, leaders in state-of-the-art sensor network and edge computing, collaborated with Adidas on the new technology, which will provide data to the VAR officials 500 times per second, tracking every minute touch and movement of the ball.
12 dedicated cameras in each stadium will track the ball as well as the players in order to provide extensive data on every relevant movement in the case of an offside. The following video, shared by @primefootballtv explains the process in detail.
Johannes Holzmüller, Director Football Technology & Innovation at FIFA said:
“This technology is the culmination of three years of dedicated research and testing by FIFA and our partner adidas to provide the best possible experience for the referees, teams, players and fans who will be heading to Qatar later this year. We look forward to seeing semi-automated offside technology including the connected ball technology in action at the FIFA World Cup™ 2022.”
Adidas also clarified that the official Al-Rihla match ball with the connected ball technology will not be commercialized or available in retail.
What do you think of the introduction of artificial intelligence into refereeing? Do you think it will improve the quality of the game or take away from it? Have your say in the comments.
Al Shabab 26-27 Home & Away Kits Released
Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab has officially revealed its new home and away kits for the 26-27 season, manufactured by local brand Offside. The home shirt presents a traditional look featuring bold black and white vertical stripes alongside a classic black collar. Meanwhile, the away jersey features a sleek black base highlighted by elegant gold details, shoulder piping, and a subtle graphic pattern across the torso.
Sunderland 26-27 Third Kit Released
Sunderland AFC and Hummel have officially unveiled the club's new 26-27 third kit, drawing inspiration from the city's rich history of glassmaking. The new design boasts a deep blue base covered in a repeating tonal stained-glass graphic pattern, which incorporates the classic football emblem from Sunderland's iconic ship badge.
Elevating the shirt's look are metallic copper accents used for the retro Sunderland crest on the chest and the Hummel branding on the shoulders. The outer back neck area features the inscription "Glass Making Since The 7th Century" in matching copper text, paying homage to Monkwearmouth's historic St Peter's Church and the roots of local craftsmanship.
The Sunderland 26-27 third kit is accompanied by a broader capsule collection, including a matching varsity jacket and pre-match warm-up range, with official availability starting August 14, 2026.
Alcorcón 26-27 Away Kit Released
Spanish club AD Alcorcón and kit supplier Kappa have officially launched the team's new away strip for the 26-27 season. The new uniform brings a bold design to the pitch, combining a distinct color scheme with Kappa's signature template elements.
The Kappa AD Alcorcón 26-27 away shirt features a deep green base paired with striking red accents across the shoulders. All technical details and branding, including the monochromatic AD Alcorcón crest, the Kappa Omini logos on the chest and shoulders, and the main front sponsor, are applied in a vibrant red tone.
Completing the set, the new away kit is paired with green shorts featuring red side panels, alongside matching green socks. The full uniform is available through the club's official online store.
Woking FC 26-27 Away Kit Released
National League side Woking FC and kit maker Erreà have officially unveiled the club's new away kit for the 26-27 season. This follows the earlier launch of their new home shirt.
The Woking FC 26-27 away jersey features a yellow base detailed with thin vertical navy pinstripes. Navy accents are applied to the collar and sleeve cuffs, accompanied by subtle gold trimming on the sleeves. The kit is finished with a monochromatic navy club crest and matching sponsor branding from Nuffield Health across the chest.
For the home shirt, Woking sticks to tradition with a classic half-and-half red and white design. It features black ribbing around the crew collar and sleeve cuffs with white accent lines, maintaining a clean look for the 26-27 campaign.
Swansea City 26-27 Third Kit Released
Swansea City and Joma have officially launched the club's new third kit for the 26-27 Championship season. The new strip completes the Swans' kit collection for the campaign, offering a sleek look inspired by the local coastline.
The Joma Swansea City 26-27 third shirt features a black base overlaid with a subtle tonal wave pattern across the body. A classic polo collar and matching sleeve cuffs feature crisp white piping, complemented by silver-white detailing for the Joma logo, principal sponsor AG1, and the standalone swan crest.
As with the home and away jerseys, Welsh identity is embedded throughout the shirt, with "ABERTAWE" printed on the upper back neck and the club slogan "Ein Hanes. Ein Dyfodol. Ein Ffordd." featured inside the collar label. Black shorts and socks complete the new Swansea City 26-27 third kit.
