LaLiga to debut connected ball that ‘talks’ and tracks every touch | OneFootball

LaLiga will introduce a connected match ball this weekend, bringing sensor technology to the Spanish top flight for the new season. According to Superdeporte, it has already featured at FIFA and UEFA tournaments and will now debut for the first time in a major domestic league.

Though it looks standard, a sensor inside pinpoints what happens in each action with near-millimetre precision. The ball must be charged, needing about 90 minutes to reach full capacity. It runs for close to five hours, so several pre-charged balls will be readied on bespoke racks.

The sensor unit, with accelerometer and gyroscope, records movement, impacts, speed and direction in real time. It transmits up to 560 signals per second and delivers roughly 100 positional updates every second.

Its primary role is to aid officiating. It identifies the exact moment a player strikes the ball, key for semi-automated offside, and can flag minimal contacts such as a double touch at a penalty, a marginal handball or a faint deflection before a goal. Similar technology has already proved decisive at World Cups, European Championships and other international events.

The data will also enrich broadcasts and club analysis, adding metrics such as shot speed, strike power, contact type and exact trajectory. Stadiums will be fitted with antenna networks to receive the ball’s data in real time, combining with cameras and software to map each move. LaLiga will also launch semi-automated offside in the top flight this season.

The system promises fewer errors and more transparency, yet some recent tournaments drew criticism over near-imperceptible contacts. Those using it argue it is among the most precise tools available. From this matchday, Spanish football will put it to the test.

Source: Superdeporte

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”