Off Side Technology: Qatar World Cup to use ‘semi-automated offside technology’ for faster and more accurate offside decisions This is abbreviated as SOAD. Under SAOD, 12 tracking cameras will be installed on pitch roofs. And every ball used for the competition is designed with artificial intelligence technology. Also, a sensor called IMU (Inertial measurement unit) is installed in the center of the ball.
Both of these features collect data points from 29 locations on the players body. The IMU sensor transmits the data of the point, location and direction of the ball being kicked to the video assistant referee room 500 times per second. Off-side footage will be shown on stadium screens with 3D images so that fans at home and spectators at the stadium can understand the referee’s decision.
Smallest country to host World Cup: The total area of Qatar is 11,500 square kilometers. The population of this country is 29 lakhs. Qatar holds the distinction of being the smallest country to host the FIFA World Cup. Schools in Qatar are on holiday for the World Cup. Office working hours have also been reduced.
Air conditioning throughout the stadium: Unlike previous World Cup, Qatar World Cup is held in November and December. FIFA World Cup is usually held in June and July. But during these months, Qatar can experience temperatures of 50 degrees Celsius. Keeping this in mind, the competition is held in winter. Currently, the temperature is between 14 degrees Celsius to 31 degrees Celsius. Air conditioning has been arranged throughout the stadium.
Women Referees: There will be 3 female referees in the Qatar World Cup namely Stephanie Frapart of France, Yoshimi Yamashita of Japan and Salima Mukansanga of Rwanda. This is the first time in history that women referees will be officiating at the Men’s World Cup. Apart from this, 3 women have been included in the panel of assistant referees.