Entirely new TV feature to be used by broadcasters at Euro 2024 that will change how fans view games
Fans will get further insight into big referee decisions at the Euros due to a new television feature set to make its football debut at the tournament.
The Euros get underway on Friday night as hosts Germany face Scotland in the opening match of the tournament.
England’s campaign starts on Sunday as they take on Serbia at the Arena AufSchalke, home of second-tier German team Schalke.
And to ensure the competition runs smoothly and without controversy, a new television feature will be given to broadcasters to help explain key decisions.
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The feature, detailed by The Guardian, is the football equivalent to cricket's 'snicko-meter' and will give more clarity on handball and offside decisions.
In cricket, the 'snicko' is used to determine if a ball has made contact with the bat for a potential dismissal.
At the Euros, 'connected ball' technology will be used, allowing officials to track every touch of match balls at a rate of 500 times a second.
The technology was successfully trialled in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, where it was used to prove that Bruno Fernandes had correctly been credited for a goal scored by Portugal against Uruguay that many believed Cristiano Ronaldo had touched.
While this information was later revealed online, it will now be available in real time for viewers watching the European Championships on TV.
Speaking about the technology, UEFA’s chief refereeing officer Roberto Rosetti said: "We have the best technology available.
"We are doing this for football. For the image of the game, for the next generation of young players and referees, for the image of football."
The feature will be introduced alongside a new rule which prevents players from complaining to the referee, with only the captain being able to approach officials during the match.
Should any player other than the nation’s captain, or a nominated outfield player if the captain is a goalkeeper, question the referee, he will instantly be shown a yellow card.
In return, the referee is expected to offer a more detailed explanation of key decisions in the match to the captain, leaving him with responsibility to explain to his team if they are complaining.
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Ben McCrum