World Cup in Russia Set to be a Technological Extravaganza
The 2018 World Cup in Russia will bring together the finest footballing nations on the planet and the event will include a wide range of technological advancements to support proceedings.
Online streaming and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system are two examples of how technology will feature at the tournament and both have the potential to change the sport forever. Read on as we take a look at both.
Online streaming
Around $1.85 billion will be generated in broadcasting deals over the next two World Cups. Over 190 networks around the world will have live coverage and for the first time in history the tournament will have extensive online streaming on rights holder websites and mobile apps.
FIFA has ensured that most of these are terrestrial (free-to-air) channels, with many of these also showing matches via their online platforms. Although access to online coverage is free, you do need an IP address for the country’s coverage you wish to access.
So if you are in Spain and want English coverage, all you need to do is buy a VPN (cost around $5) and get a UK IP address to access the coverage. Use Harrah’s Casino Online Promotion Code for the chance to win the funds to purchase a VPN.
Similar services are available with Fox (USA), ARD & ZDF (Germany) and SBS (Australia). If you wanted American coverage but are located in another part of the world, you need to buy a VPN and get a US IP address to access Fox just like a person would do from inside the States.
Video assistant referee (VAR) technology
VAR will be used at the World Cup after the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which sets the game’s laws, unanimously approved the use of the technology in matches on a permanent basis.
The system operates on a three-step process of incident, review/advice, decision, and across the four areas of football deemed ‘game-changing’ by FIFA.
VAR is only to be used ‘to correct clear errors and for missed serious incidents’ in those ‘match-changing’ situations. The incidents that can be reviewed are in relation to validity of goals, penalties, direct red cards or mistaken identity for cautions or dismissals.
VARs and other match officials are able to recommend reviews, but the only person who can initiate one is the referee, who will then have the final say on whether their original decision should stand or be changed. They have the option to review footage themselves on a pitch-side monitor before making a final decision.
FIFA’s decision to use VAR at the World Cup is a major sign that the people charged with running football believe the system is here to stay despite it being criticised by many pundits.
