The End of Controversy? Discover How the Semi-Automated VAR Works and Why It's Best for Copa América 2028

The Copa América 2028 is set to be a milestone, not just for the caliber of its national teams, but also for the technology on the pitch. We expect the definitive and full implementation of the Semi-Automated VAR (SAOT – Semi-Automated Offside Technology) for offside detection, a tool designed to expedite and precisely determine refereeing decisions, finally eliminating the long waits and manually drawn lines.

But what exactly is Semi-Automated VAR? And why does its use make it the best choice for a tournament as vibrant as the Copa América? Below, we break down its technical functioning in a straightforward manner so that you, as a fan, can understand the revolution that is coming.

1. The Core of SAOT: What It Is and How It Started

While traditional VAR revolutionized refereeing, it had a weakness: the time taken and the subjectivity involved in manually drawing offside lines. SAOT emerges as the direct evolution, automating the offside detection process.

It is not a "robot referee" making all the decisions—hence the term "semi-automated." The technology handles the position detection with millimeter precision, but the final validation of the incident still rests on the experienced eyes of the referees in the VOR (Video Operation Room).

2. Technical Breakdown: The Three Pillars of Semi-Automated VAR

The magic of this system is based on the synchronization of three key technological elements:

Pillar I: Limb-Tracking Cameras (Optical Tracking)

Between 10 and 12 specialized cameras are installed on the stadium roof. These are different from the ones used for television broadcasting.

• Data Points: These cameras capture up to 29 different data points on the body of every player (head, shoulders, hips, knees, feet, etc.), doing so at an impressive rate of up to 50 times per second.

• 3D Model: With this constant information, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) software creates a real-time, three-dimensional (3D) model of the exact position of all players on the field.

Pillar II: The Connected Ball (IMU Sensor)

The official Copa América 2028 match ball will contain a crucial element: an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensor inside.

• Position Data: This sensor can send position data to the VOR up to 500 times per second.

• Kick Point Detection: Its primary function is to determine the exact moment of contact (the "kick point") when the pass is made. This precision is fundamental because offside is determined in the split second the ball is struck. This eliminates the need for the VAR official to manually search for the correct frame.

Pillar III: The Automatic Alert and VOR Review

The AI processes the information from the 29 player points and the 500 data points per second from the ball.

• Instant Line Drawing: Upon detecting the moment of the pass (thanks to the ball sensor), the system automatically draws the lines for the attacker and the penultimate defender, identifying if an offside offense has occurred.

• Alert to the VOR: If offside is detected, an automatic alert is sent to the referees in the VOR within a few seconds (the goal is to reduce the review time from over 70 seconds to under 25).

• The Human Decision (Semi-Automated): The VAR referees review the offside line generated by the technology. They must only validate the 3D image and confirm that the system correctly detected the kick point. Once confirmed, the decision is communicated to the head referee on the field.

3. Why It's the Best for Copa América 2028: The Benefits of SAOT

CONMEBOL football is defined by its passion, speed, and the significance of every goal. Semi-Automated VAR brings tangible advantages that will enhance the game and the fan experience at the Copa América:

A. Speed in Decision-Making

The automation of offside detection and kick point identification drastically reduces waiting times. Fewer interruptions mean a more fluid game and less frustration for players and spectators.

B. Millimeter Precision

The capture of 29 body points and the ultra-fast data from the ball ensure an accuracy that the human eye and manual line-drawing cannot match. This minimizes "doubt" over whether a shoulder or a knee was offside by a few centimeters.

C. Transparency for the Fan

After confirmation in the VOR, the system immediately generates a visual 3D replay that is shown on the stadium's big screens and in the TV broadcast. This animation is clear, objective, and visually explains why the offside was or was not called, eliminating most of the controversy.

D. Reduction of Critical Errors

By delegating the most complex and objective part of the offside rule to technology, the system reduces the margin for human error, allowing on-field and video referees to concentrate on interpreting other incidents (fouls, penalties, etc.).

Conclusion

The implementation of Semi-Automated VAR (SAOT) at the Copa América 2028 is not just a trend; it's an indispensable technical step that elevates the standards of refereeing in South American football. It offers speed, precision, and transparency—elements that will enrich the fan experience and ensure the main focus remains on the talent on the pitch.

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