Euro 2024 sees new twist: No more 'Hand of God' situation as new 'robot ball' curbs cheating

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Euro bosses introduce new AI tech

To get a workaround on this, Euro bosses are now introducing a 'robot ball' equipped with technology to detect any kind of cheating by players, especially in high-intensity situations, or inside the penalty box, where players often adapt different means of cheating like getting penalties, and more.

Steps taken to curb any 'Hand of God' incident

Everyone remembers the 'Hand of God' incident when Diego Maradona scored a goal using his 'hand' that had created a global uproar around the fairness of the game. In those days, technology like VAR or Goal-line was not available, creating such opportunities for players. However, now this 'robot ball' technology couples with VAR would indeed prove beneficial for the fairness of the game.

AI-embedded tech to help detect offsides and hand-to-ball contact

According to the DailyStar, the artificial intelligence technology embedded through chips inside the robot ball, is sensitive enough to determine if a ball had contact with a hand in the penalty area or whether a player was in an offside position when it was kicked. Meanwhile, this robot ball technology will also help in other international tournaments like the FIFA World Cup, or cash-rich leagues like La Liga, Champions League, and more.
Moreover, for the first time people watching the game on-screen will be able to view a snickometer visual to show if the players touched or brushed past the ball in key moments of the match.

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