فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Technology has brought a major transformation to the world of football over the past two decades. The game has shifted from relying almost entirely on human referees to increasingly incorporating precise technological tools to ensure fairness and transparency. The introduction of goal-line technology and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system are among the most prominent examples of this evolution.
Goal-line technology, which was first used at the 2012 FIFA Club World Cup and later at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, was introduced in response to major refereeing errors. One of the most controversial was Frank Lampard’s disallowed goal against Germany in the 2010 World Cup. This technology uses advanced sensors and tracking devices embedded in the ball and the goal line to accurately determine whether the ball has completely crossed the line.
In a later phase, the VAR system was officially introduced at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. VAR allows referees to review critical decisions — such as penalties, offside calls, red cards, and disputed goals — using multi-angle video replays at various speeds.
VAR has helped reduce significant refereeing errors, but it has also sparked debate. Some view it as a necessary development that enhances the fairness of the game, while others criticize it for disrupting the match’s rhythm and making football feel more mechanical, stripping it of some spontaneity and emotion.
In Morocco, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation began gradually implementing VAR in the Botola Pro League starting from the 2019–2020 season. This move has helped reduce refereeing controversies, though there are ongoing calls to improve implementation quality and referee training.
The impact of technology extends beyond refereeing. It has also revolutionized performance analysis, with clubs now using advanced digital software to track player movements, measure fitness and effort levels, and make tactical decisions based on scientific data. This shift has transformed training methods and strategic planning.
Technology has reshaped the game not only on the pitch but also behind the scenes. Winning now depends not only on skill and fitness but also on a team’s ability to harness data in its favor. Football is moving increasingly toward precision and professionalism — but ultimately, it still thrives on human instincts and the soul of the game.
Source: Fes News Media
