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      What is a semi-automatic offside and will it be used in the World Cup 2022?

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      OFFSIDE calls has been one of the major talking points at the winter World Cup in Qatar – but it’s not all down to the referees.FIFA have reportedly spent the last three years testing its semi-automatic offside tool.
      Referees can now get assistance from the semi-automatic VAR tool
      And it has now been in use at the 2022 World Cup on multiple occassions.
      But what is the semi-automatic offside tool?
      What is a semi-automatic offside?
      The semi-automatic offside tool is a piece of technology being introduced to make VAR decisions quicker and more accurate.
      It will be done by a system using computer tracker of 29 body parts of each player, combined with a microchip inside the ball.
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      This is expected to determine the positions of the players at the exact moment the ball has been played.
      So in the case of an offside situation, the video operations room will receive an automated alert alongside an automatic selected point and an instant drawn lines within seconds of the incident.
      Match officials will then have to validate the proposed selected kick point and the drawn offside line before VAR communicates the final decision on the pitch.
      Extra VAR officials will be in charge of calling offsides with the algorithm providing a 3D animation to explain a call in a average of 25 seconds.
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      And that illustration is then available on the giant screens within the stadium and for TV viewers to take a look at in the next stoppage of play.
      Has it been used in the World Cup?
      The 3D animation was deployed in the first match between hosts Qatar and Ecuador.
      Enner Valencia’s opening strike was ruled out for offside within the first three minutes of the match.
      Argentina also saw THREE goals disallowed in their shock defeat to Saudi Arabia courtesy of the semi-automatic VAR.
      Where else has it been used?
      The semi-automatic offside technology was initially meant to be rolled out for the opening fixture of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
      However, UEFA have stolen a march on FIFA as it was deployed in the Super Cup fixture between Real Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt.
      Karim Benzema’s goal was ruled out due to the semi-automatic VAR systemCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      And now, it has been revealed that they will use the new tool in this season’s Champions League.
      What has been said?
      FIFA’S head of refereeing mentioned that: “There is a talk of robot referees, it looks good but it’s not true. On-field referees will continue to be decisive.
      “Semi-automatic offside will only be used when a player who is offside touches the ball. If there is interreference in play, it will be the referee’s decision.”
      UEFA’S refereeing chief Roberto Rosetti also had a say and he believes that the semi-automatic offside technology will be beneficial to the match officials, players and fans.
      Rosetti said: “We are constantly looking for new technological solutions to improve the game and support the work of the referees. 
      “This innovative system will allow VAR teams to determine offside situations quickly and more accurately, enhancing the flow of the game and the consistency of the decisions. More

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      Why Harry Maguire wasn’t given ‘stonewall’ penalty in England’s 6-2 World Cup win – but Iran were

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      ENGLAND’S World Cup campaign got off to a flying start as they smashed six goals past Iran.But a controversial late penalty saw the final score end 6-2 to the Three Lions.
      Harry Maguire did not get a penalty after appearing to be fouled against IranCredit: BBC
      John Stones gave away a late spot-kick for a tug on an opponentCredit: Getty
      John Stones was penalised by VAR in the dying moments, allowing Iran to pull back a consolation goal to soften the scoreline.
      However, video replays suggested there wasn’t much contact at all between Stones and his opponent.
      And England fans were left fuming as Harry Maguire failed to win a “stonewall” penalty after a foul by Iran earlier on.
      But ESPN claims there is a reason Stones’ tug resulted in a spot-kick, while the foul on Maguire was overlooked.
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      It’s reckoned that VAR were mainly concerned about whether the attacking player in each incident was able to challenge for the ball.
      In Stones’ case, his tug on Morteza Pouraliganji prevented the Iranian from being able to attack the ball sufficiently.
      Despite only being a minor infringement on replays, the ball was said to be in close proximity to Iran’s attacker.
      And referee Raphael Claus eventually agreed with VAR that Stones had stopped Pouraliganji from attacking freely.
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      In Maguire’s case, despite the foul appearing more obvious, this was deemed the opposite case.
      Despite being wrestled to the floor by Roozbeh Cheshmi, it’s said the ball was NOT in close proximity to Maguire.
      That means he was not in a position to properly compete for it as an attacker.
      And VAR also took into account the fact that Maguire’s arm was also wrapped around Cheshmi as he went down.
      But try telling that to England fans, who were left fuming over the two decisions.
      One wrote online: “Stone wall penalty.”
      A second tweeted: “A clear pen all day long.”
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      Another added: “Maguire is literally being rugby tackled.”
      While a fourth fumed: “England already robbed of a penalty 3 minutes in.” More

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      What is VAR and when is it used?

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      FOOTBALL is a fast-paced and contact sport which doesn’t always allow the referee to determine what is a foul or not at first sight.Sometimes, the ref and his officials need to take a close look at what happened to determine the outcome and that is why the Virtual Assistant Referee (VAR) was created.
      VAR is used across several competitions in Europe such as the top five leagues
      How does VAR work?
      The video assistant referee can be called upon for four key on-field incidents.
      These are:

      Awarding goals
      Penalty decisions
      Red card decisions
      Cases of mistaken identity

      The video assistant referee will be the one to let the on-pitch referee know that a decision needs to be analysed.
      The VAR will liaise with the on-pitch referee to relay information on calls and at times the on-pitch official might need to go and take a look at the action himself from a screen installed in the stadium.
      The video assistant referee – a top official who is watching the game away from the stadium – has access to every camera angle and goal-line technology cameras.
      And interestingly, he will have to wear FULL KIT while on duty.
      The VAR also has an assistant watching the game with them.
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      What technology does VAR use?
      VAR uses over 30 cameras installed in the stadium to be able to capture every angle.
      This helps the virtual assistant referee to view an incident such as a penalty from every angle and determine whether there was contact or not.
      Types of cameras used include broadcast cameras, slow-motion cameras, high-definition wide-angle and tight cameras.
      There is also an audio communication system used which enabled the on-pitch referee to speak with the off-pitch one.
      By the dugout or in an appropriate place by the pitch line, you’ll also find a screen installed for the on-pitch referee to view any controversial incidents.
      In the Premier League, the Hawk-Eye’s virtual offside line technology is used to determine whether a player was onside or not.
      It has two levels.
      One of them is the gridline which shows a two-dimensional line that is positioned with the final player.
      This is mainly used when a player is clearly offside or not.
      On the other hand, sometimes two players may be too close to each other to determine whether a goal was offside or not.
      That is why there is another level of lines called crosshair.
      These two offside lines are drawn, one in correspondence with the last player of the defending team and the other with the player of the offensive team.
      It also features a 3D vertical line which shows whether another body part, such as an arm, is offside or not and in that case, the goal would be disallowed.
      Who created VAR?
      VAR was created by the Royal Netherlands Football Association.
      The project was created in 2010 and was tested across Eredivisie – the Dutch league – games.
      Testing was then further made throughout the Premier League, however, the system made its international debut in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
      What competition is VAR used in?
      Many European and South American domestic leagues introduced the VAR system such as:

      The Premier League together with domestic cups like the FA Cup
      Serie A and the Coppa Italia
      La Liga and the Copa del Rey
      Bundesliga and DFB Pokal
      Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France
      Major League Soccer in America
      Brasileirao
      Argentine Primera Division.

      It is also used across main FIFA and UEFA competitions such as the World Cup and the EUROs.
      We cannot leave out its use in the Champions League, Europa League and the Conference League. More

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      Fans stunned as Napoli goal is ruled out for offside EAR against Liverpool using ‘X-Ray’ VAR

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      FOOTY fans were left stunned as Napoli had a goal ruled out against Liverpool… for an offside EAR.Jurgen Klopp’s side returned to winning ways as they beat the Italians 2-0 in the Champions League last night.
      Napoli’s opener against Liverpool was ruled out for an offside earCredit: BT SPORT
      Leo Ostigard was left to rue the decision as Liverpool won 2-0 late onCredit: Getty
      It was Napoli’s first defeat in all competitions this season.
      But things could have panned out differently had Leo Ostigard’s offside opener been allowed to stand.

      The former Brighton centre-back headed home for Napoli in the 53rd minute after getting on the end of a cross from Khvicha Kvaratshkelia.
      It sparked wild celebrations from the Italians and their away supporters.
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      But VAR quickly interjected using new semi-automated X-Ray technology.
      High-tech 3D replay pictures revealed Ostigard’s right EAR had been offside when the ball was whipped in.
      And using the new gadget, the goal was swiftly disallowed by VAR before Liverpool struck twice at the death for victory.
      Supporters will have to get used to seeing the images everywhere shortly.
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      That’s because Fifa are using the computer-generated offside calls at this month’s World Cup in Qatar.
      But some fans were left unamused by yesterday’s call at Anfield.
      One said: “As a casual fan I feel like offside should be visible with the naked eye.”
      Another noted: “If you have to measure it with this amount of detail it should not be offside.”
      One laughed: “His ear? EAR? Wtf?”
      Another added: “Game’s a joke. What is that?” More

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      England fans still fuming with Maradona’s Hand of God goal and other controversial World Cup moments that needed VAR

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      MILLIONS of football fans are STILL sore about Diego Maradona’s infamous Hand of God knocking England out of the World Cup in 1986 – and nearly half say they will “never forgive him”.A poll of 2,000 lovers of the game found the Argentine ace’s controversial goal topped a list of the most controversial World Cup moments that might have benefited from video replays for referees.
      Diego Maradona’s Hand of God goal is one of the most controversial moments in sporting historyCredit: Getty
      Frank Lampard’s strike in South Africa clearly crossed the line but was missed by the refsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Other memorable moments fans believe would have benefited from VAR include Frank Lampard’s clearly over-the-line shot against Germany in 2010 that wasn’t given.
      And Thierry Henry’s blatant – yet unpunished – handball against Ireland in in a 2009 World Cup play-off was chosen by 28 per cent.
      Just under one in five (19 per cent), however, also suspect Geoff Hurst’s game-changing goal in the 1966 final, which England went on to win, might not have been given had VAR been around.
      The research was commissioned by Samsung UK to showcase the 2022 range of Neo QLED TVs, featuring Quantum Dot technology.
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      VAR analyst and former professional referee Dermot Gallagher, working with Samsung, said: “As a proud Irish man, the most controversial decision for me has to be Thierry Henry’s handball in the World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in 2009.
      “With VAR and decent tech in place, the foul would have been called, bringing the tied game to penalties.”
      Other World Cup injustices football fans recall include Spain having two perfectly good goals disallowed against tournament hosts South Korea in 2002 (19 per cent).
      And 21 per cent are still bitter about West Germany’s Jurgen Klinsmann diving in the 1990 final, which got the Argentine Monzón sent off.
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      Some 63 per cent of respondents believe VAR would have eradicated most of the World Cup injustices that have taken place over the years.
      But 48 say while VAR has advantages, it still has a way to go before it’s a truly useful tool when it comes to refereeing matches.
      The biggest drawback football fans see with VAR is that it means you don’t know whether a goal can be celebrated, in case it’s chalked off for some unseen infringement (28 per cent).
      Another 28 per cent think it’s being used for the “wrong” reasons – like trying to gauge if a handball was deliberate, instead of a binary decision like if a ball had crossed the line.
      And 19 per cent believe that far from solving any debates, VAR actually leads to even more arguments among pundits post-game.
      The study also found during a typical World Cup match, fans will disagree with a referee’s decision four times.
      And a staggering 36 per cent even believe they could competently referee a match at the highest level – the World Cup finals.
      Spokesperson Zeena Hill, for Samsung UK, which has offered to supply the English Football Association, and FIFA World Cup, VAR departments with Neo QLED TVs to help with picture detail, said: “With recent success for the English national teams, the excitement for this year’s World Cup is bigger than ever.”
      Nigel de Jong somehow avoided a red card for this horror tackle on Xabi AlonsoCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Thierry Henry got away with the blatant handball against IrelandCredit: EPA
      Dermot Gallagher had his say on some of the decisions as part of Samsung UK’s campaignCredit: PATop 10 World Cup moments that needed VAR

      Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goal against England in 1986
      Frank Lampard’s shot against Germany that hit the bar and clearly crossed the line, but wasn’t given in 2010
      Thierry Henry’s handball for France vs Ireland in a 2010 World Cup Qualifier
      West Germany goalkeeper Harald Schumacher’s unpunished, incredible foul against France’s Patrick Battiston in 1982
      Holland’s Nigel de Jong not being sent off for a studs-up foul into Spain’s Xabi Alonso’s chest in the opening minutes of the 2010 World Cup Final
      West Germany’s Jurgen Klinsmann’s iconic dive in the 1990 Final resulting in Argentina’s Monzón being sent off
      Portugal’s Luis Figo not getting sent off for a headbutt against Netherland’s Van Bommel in 2006
      Neymar receiving a yellow card and not a red for an elbow in Brazil’s game against Croatia in 2014
      Spain having two perfectly good goals disallowed against South Korea in 2002
      Geoff Hurst’s goal for England in the 1966 World Cup Final More

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      Mike Dean swaps VAR hotseat for Spain as former referee takes mid-season holiday to stock up on BEER

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      MIKE DEAN has been given the weekend off by the Premier League for a holiday in Spain.The Wirral whistler, who retired as a referee last season, is now a dedicated VAR official.
      Mike Dean has taken some time away from VAR duties to stock up on beer in SpainCredit: Instagram
      And Dean, 54, has swapped Stockley Park for stocking up on beers in Murcia.
      Dean posted on his Instagram stories: “Outdoor fridge fully stocked ready for the invasion.”
      The picture had shelves of beers on show including Mahou and Estrella.
      Dean is enjoying his holiday ahead of next month’s World Cup.
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      During the Qatar tournament, the ex-Premier League official will be a pundit for beIN Sports to provide analysis of the finals.
      His last Prem action saw him as the VAR official for West Ham’s 2-0 win over Bournemouth on Monday night which angered Cherries caretaker boss Gary O’Neil.
      O’Neil slammed VAR as “getting ridiculous” after Kurt Zouma’s header for the opener was allowed to stand despite the ball hitting the arm of Thilo Kehrer in the build-up.
      The Hammers were also awarded a penalty when Bournemouth sub Jordan Zemura handled Vladimir Coufal’s cross.
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      Meanwhile, Dean also landed himself in hot water earlier this season when he failed to spot Cristian Romero’s hair pull on Marc Cucurella during Spurs’ 2-2 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
      Dean reviewed the incident but deemed it not to be a red card offence.
      And from the resulting corner, Harry Kane headed a stoppage time equaliser for Tottenham. More

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      Furious Spurs boss Antonio Conte says VAR blunders should be ‘impossible’ and reckons he could do better from his sofa

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      ANTONIO CONTE claims it should be “impossible” for VAR to blunder — and reckons he could make better decisions from his sofa.The Tottenham boss is still furious Harry Kane’s last-gasp Champions League ‘winner’ against Sporting Lisbon was ruled out by video refs.
      Kane’s last-gasp goal was disallowed for offsideCredit: Rex
      Conte was left furious and the referee swiftly sent him offCredit: Alamy
      And Conte insists the red card he was shown for protesting — which will see him banned from Tuesday’s showdown in Marseille — was unfair.
      The Italian said: “It’s impossible to make mistakes with VAR, you have a screen, you have time. When I stay at home and I see the VAR image then, for me, it is easy to take the best decision.
      “Instead, then you see they take the opposite decision.”
      Kane’s stoppage-time strike — 14 seconds from the end of the game — was disallowed for offside.
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      But Conte, 53, added: “You score, qualified for the next round, you are celebrating. And then you stay for five minutes to look at the situation with VAR — they take the decision and you don’t know if it’s right or wrong.
      “This is not football because you cut emotion, the emotion of everybody, and especially the players because you don’t know.”
      Conte’s red card for entering the pitch against Sporting means he will not be in the dugout or allowed to communicate with players in Marseille.
      And defeat could see his Tottenham side exit the Champions League.
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      Conte, who did not appear to realise he had copped a ban, added: “It’s a pity, especially because I didn’t insult anyone.
      “It was only because I came on to the pitch, then to be banned from an important game.
      “If you book me, then it shows me not to come on to the pitch — but now it’s in the past.” More

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      Antonio Conte banned from Tottenham’s crunch Champions League clash in Marseille in huge blow after VAR-rage red card

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      ANTONIO CONTE will be banned for next week’s crucial Champions League match at Marseille.The Spurs boss will also not be allowed to directly communicate with his players or staff or enter the dressing room next Tuesday.
      Antonio Conte was sent off after VAR ruled out Tottenham’s winner against SportingCredit: Reuters
      It comes after he was sent off by referee Danny Makkelie in the closing stages of Wednesday’s 1-1 draw at home to Sporting for blasting the decision to disallow Harry Kane’s stoppage-time strike.
      A red card shown to an official in a Uefa competition carries an automatic one-match suspension.
      Conte will have to sit in the stands of the Stade Velodrome, where Spurs need a draw to qualify for the last 16.
      Article 69 of Uefa’s disciplinary regulations states: “A team manager/coach or other team official who is sent off or suspended from carrying out his function may not be in the technical area or communicate directly with the team’s players and/or technical staff during the match.
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      “In addition, a team manager/coach or any other team official who is suspended from carrying out his function may not enter the dressing room or tunnel before or during the match.”
      Spurs can appeal, and are still deciding whether or not they will.
      The club are also awaiting confirmation from Uefa as to the exact reason for the red card.
      But Conte is also in danger of further punishment once referee Makkelie has handed in his match report for the Group D fixture.
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      Conte was still seething when he spoke afterwards and Uefa may also investigate his post-match comments.
      During his short press conference, the 53-year-old accused VAR of being dishonest, creating “big damage” and insisted it would not have disallowed Kane’s goal had it been for a “top team, in an important game” before he walked out after one question.
      The England captain sparked wild celebrations with a 95th-minute winner which would have sealed Spurs’ last-16 Champions League spot.
      Emerson Royal headed the ball against a Sporting defender but Kane was deemed to be offside.
      And, after a four-minute video review, ref Makkelie disallowed it. More