From smart-enabled match balls and AI to cryogenic recovery chambers, soccer is being transformed by the cutting-edge technology available to players, coaches and officials
DUESSELDORF, Germany — From smart-enabled match balls and artificial intelligence to cryogenic recovery chambers, soccer is being transformed by the cutting-edge technology available to players, coaches and officials.
That much has been evident at Euro 2024, where advancements in areas such as equipment and sports science have been deployed on and off the field, designed to improve the game, the fan experience and player welfare.
Not all of it is a hit with everyone.
For instance, there are still complaints about decisions by video assistant referees — just as there were about decisions in the days before VAR was introduced.
Regardless, the world's most popular sport continues to be impacted by rapidly-developing technologies in the wider world.
VAR decisions have, in large part, seemed to be a smoother process here and have taken an average time of 51 seconds to be determined according to UEFA — five seconds quicker than in the Champions League last season.
UEFA is deploying semi-automated offside technology, along with AI and Adidas' connected ball technology to speed up the review process and improve accuracy.
Ten cameras are installed in each of the host stadiums, which UEFA says track 29 different points of the body on every player. Combined with the official tournament ball, which has a sensor to help detect every touch, and AI, the decision-making process is supposed to be quicker and more conclusive than before.
Perhaps too conclusive for some. Belgium's Romelu Lukaku had three goals ruled out in his opening two games — two for offside and one for a handball from teammate Loïs Openda in the build up, which was detected by the ball's sensor.
Goal-line technology has ended debate over marginal calls in terms of whether the ball has crossed the line. There are seven cameras in each goal and a signal is sent to the referee's watch, which vibrates if the ball has crossed the line. UEFA says results are sent within one second of the action.
While the Adidas Fussballliebe, which is the official match ball of the Euros, is assisting with offside calls, it also seems to be a hit with players.
It's made from recycled polyester and other materials including corn fibers, sugar cane and wood pulp, and players have spoken of the speed and distance it generates.
That would appear to be evident judging by the number of stunning long-range goals scored during the group stage, such as Arda Guler’s curling effort from around 20 meters in Turkey’s 3-1 win against Georgia.
Coaches are trying to find an edge wherever they can.
England's players have been spotted wearing smart rings.
“The idea is it helps monitor your sleep, which is the biggest factor in terms of recovery,” England manager Gareth Southgate said. "So no matter what things are invented in the world, the best things to aid recovery are sleep and nutrition. We’re not checking on the players but it allows them to monitor their own recovery.”
Cristiano Ronaldo is an ambassador for a band which monitors sleep and biometric data such cardiovascular and muscular load.
Tracking vests have long-been used to measure distances covered by players.
Southgate is also wearing a smart watch which retails at $6,500, has its own tracking capabilities and also provides score alerts during the tournament.
One unexpected wearable is Kylian Mbappe's custom-made protective mask — the France striker needed it after suffering a broken nose in his opening game.
Teams have a suite of recovery devices to help players cope with the congested tournament schedule.
Spain's base camp in Donaueschingen has a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, a cryogenic chamber and a phototherapy bed to help speed muscular recovery after practice or a game.
A hyperbaric oxygen chamber is used to breathe in 100% pure oxygen. Cryogenic treatment involves the use of cold temperatures, while phototherapy uses light.
“This works wonders after the intense games we have here at the Euros. Anything that can give us an edge we are going to take advantage of,” Spain forward Nico Williams said on Instagram.
England captain Harry Kane has made use of air compression boots, which massage players' legs and increase circulation.
Boredom can be one of the biggest issues to deal with during a long tournament, with players spending time away from home and their family and friends.
They can often be seen arriving at stadiums with their state-of-the-art, noise-cancelling headphones. Not every player uses the latest technology, however — England's Cole Palmer was seen wearing corded ear buds.
Personal devices are a must, with smart phones, pads and gaming devices usually close at hand. Germany's Kai Havertz was seen carrying a popular video game console as he stepped off the team bus.
Germany's base in Herzogenaurach also has a giant cinema screen by an outdoor pool.
All the devices aren't purely for fun or distraction. For Spain's 16-year-old winger Lamine Yamal, his spare time can be taken up with catching up with homework on his pad.
___
James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson
___
AP Euro 2024: https://apnews.com/hub/euro-2024
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The lithium-ion battery in the power banks can overheat, posing a fire hazard.
About 132,000
Baseus toll-free at 855-215-5824 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, email at [email protected], online at https://baseuspowerbankrecall.expertinquiry.com, or www.baseus.com and click on “Product Recall Information” at the bottom of the page for more information.
This recall involves Baseus power banks with model numbers PPCXM06 and PPCXW06. Both PPCXM06 and PPCXW06 were offered in white, black, light blue, and light pink colors. Both models have a magnetic side that attaches to mobile phones with magnetic charging functionality. The model number is displayed on the magnetic side of the device, and “20W” is displayed on the non-magnetic side. Model PPCXM06 measures about 4 in. x 2-½ in. x 0.64 in., and model PPCXW06 measures about 4 in. x 2-½ in. x ½ in. Only power banks with model numbers PPCXM06 and PPCXW06 are part of this recall. Some power banks were listed on Amazon under the model number PPXCW06. 
Note: Recalled lithium-ion batteries should be disposed of in accordance with local and state ordinances, following the procedures established by your municipal recycling center for damaged/defective/recalled lithium batteries, because these potentially hazardous batteries must be handled differently than other batteries. Do not throw this recalled battery in the trash. Do not deposit this recalled battery in used battery recycling boxes found at various retail and home improvement stores.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Baseus power bank models, and contact Baseus for a full refund with proof of purchase, or a $36 cash refund without proof of purchase. Consumers will need to submit a photo of the recalled power bank showing the model number to the firm’s recall registration page. Consumers without an order number will need to submit a photo of the power bank with their name and the date written in permanent marker. Baseus and Amazon are notifying all known purchasers directly. Consumers should dispose of the battery in accordance with local and state regulations.
Baseus has received 171 reports of incidents, including 132 reports of bulging or swelling batteries and 39 reports of fires, resulting in 13 burn injuries and about $20,000 in property damage.
Shenzhen Baseus Technology Co. Ltd., of China
Note: Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic. Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics.
The lithium-ion battery in the power banks can overheat, posing a fire hazard.
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FILE – Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku, front, scores a disallowed goal during the Group E match between Belgium and Slovakia at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Frankfurt, Germany, Monday, June 17, 2024. A high-tech soccer ball that helps with more accurate offside decisions will make its European Championship debut next year in Germany after being used at the 2022 World Cup. (Arne Dedert/dpa via AP, File)
The referee checks the VAR for possible penalty for Georgia during a Group F match between Georgia and Portugal at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, Wednesday, June 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)
Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku gestures on the pitch during a Group E match between Belgium and Slovakia at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Frankfurt, Germany, Monday, June 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
France’s Kylian Mbappe eyes the ball during a training session in Paderborn, Germany, Thursday, June 27, 2024, ahead of their round of 16 soccer match against Belgium at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
A giant screen displays a VAR review message during a Group B match between Italy and Albania at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Dortmund, Germany, Saturday, June 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
FILE – Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku, front, scores a disallowed goal during the Group E match between Belgium and Slovakia at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Frankfurt, Germany, Monday, June 17, 2024. A high-tech soccer ball that helps with more accurate offside decisions will make its European Championship debut next year in Germany after being used at the 2022 World Cup. (Arne Dedert/dpa via AP, File)
FILE – Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku, front, scores a disallowed goal during the Group E match between Belgium and Slovakia at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Frankfurt, Germany, Monday, June 17, 2024. A high-tech soccer ball that helps with more accurate offside decisions will make its European Championship debut next year in Germany after being used at the 2022 World Cup. (Arne Dedert/dpa via AP, File)
The referee checks the VAR for possible penalty for Georgia during a Group F match between Georgia and Portugal at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, Wednesday, June 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)
The referee checks the VAR for possible penalty for Georgia during a Group F match between Georgia and Portugal at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, Wednesday, June 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)
Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku gestures on the pitch during a Group E match between Belgium and Slovakia at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Frankfurt, Germany, Monday, June 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku gestures on the pitch during a Group E match between Belgium and Slovakia at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Frankfurt, Germany, Monday, June 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
France’s Kylian Mbappe eyes the ball during a training session in Paderborn, Germany, Thursday, June 27, 2024, ahead of their round of 16 soccer match against Belgium at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
France’s Kylian Mbappe eyes the ball during a training session in Paderborn, Germany, Thursday, June 27, 2024, ahead of their round of 16 soccer match against Belgium at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
A giant screen displays a VAR review message during a Group B match between Italy and Albania at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Dortmund, Germany, Saturday, June 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
A giant screen displays a VAR review message during a Group B match between Italy and Albania at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Dortmund, Germany, Saturday, June 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
DUESSELDORF, Germany (AP) — From smart-enabled match balls and artificial intelligence to cryogenic recovery chambers, soccer is being transformed by the cutting-edge technology available to players, coaches and officials.
That much has been evident at Euro 2024, where advancements in areas such as equipment and sports science have been deployed on and off the field, designed to improve the game, the fan experience and player welfare.
Not all of it is a hit with everyone.
For instance, there are still complaints about decisions by video assistant referees — just as there were about decisions in the days before VAR was introduced.
Regardless, the world’s most popular sport continues to be impacted by rapidly-developing technologies in the wider world.
VAR decisions have, in large part, seemed to be a smoother process here and have taken an average time of 51 seconds to be determined according to UEFA — five seconds quicker than in the Champions League last season.
UEFA is deploying semi-automated offside technology, along with AI and Adidas’ connected ball technology to speed up the review process and improve accuracy.
Ten cameras are installed in each of the host stadiums, which UEFA says track 29 different points of the body on every player. Combined with the official tournament ball, which has a sensor to help detect every touch, and AI, the decision-making process is supposed to be quicker and more conclusive than before.

Perhaps too conclusive for some. Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku had three goals ruled out in his opening two games — two for offside and one for a handball from teammate Loïs Openda in the build up, which was detected by the ball’s sensor.
Goal-line technology has ended debate over marginal calls in terms of whether the ball has crossed the line. There are seven cameras in each goal and a signal is sent to the referee’s watch, which vibrates if the ball has crossed the line. UEFA says results are sent within one second of the action.
While the Adidas Fussballliebe, which is the official match ball of the Euros, is assisting with offside calls, it also seems to be a hit with players.
It’s made from recycled polyester and other materials including corn fibers, sugar cane and wood pulp, and players have spoken of the speed and distance it generates.
That would appear to be evident judging by the number of stunning long-range goals scored during the group stage, such as Arda Guler’s curling effort from around 20 meters in Turkey’s 3-1 win against Georgia.
Coaches are trying to find an edge wherever they can.
England’s players have been spotted wearing smart rings.
“The idea is it helps monitor your sleep, which is the biggest factor in terms of recovery,” England manager Gareth Southgate said. “So no matter what things are invented in the world, the best things to aid recovery are sleep and nutrition. We’re not checking on the players but it allows them to monitor their own recovery.”
Cristiano Ronaldo is an ambassador for a band which monitors sleep and biometric data such cardiovascular and muscular load.
Tracking vests have long-been used to measure distances covered by players.
Southgate is also wearing a smart watch which retails at $6,500, has its own tracking capabilities and also provides score alerts during the tournament.
One unexpected wearable is Kylian Mbappe’s custom-made protective mask — the France striker needed it after suffering a broken nose in his opening game.
Teams have a suite of recovery devices to help players cope with the congested tournament schedule.
Spain’s base camp in Donaueschingen has a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, a cryogenic chamber and a phototherapy bed to help speed muscular recovery after practice or a game.
A hyperbaric oxygen chamber is used to breathe in 100% pure oxygen. Cryogenic treatment involves the use of cold temperatures, while phototherapy uses light.
“This works wonders after the intense games we have here at the Euros. Anything that can give us an edge we are going to take advantage of,” Spain forward Nico Williams said on Instagram.
England captain Harry Kane has made use of air compression boots, which massage players’ legs and increase circulation.
Boredom can be one of the biggest issues to deal with during a long tournament, with players spending time away from home and their family and friends.
They can often be seen arriving at stadiums with their state-of-the-art, noise-cancelling headphones. Not every player uses the latest technology, however — England’s Cole Palmer was seen wearing corded ear buds.
Personal devices are a must, with smart phones, pads and gaming devices usually close at hand. Germany’s Kai Havertz was seen carrying a popular video game console as he stepped off the team bus.
Germany’s base in Herzogenaurach also has a giant cinema screen by an outdoor pool.
All the devices aren’t purely for fun or distraction. For Spain’s 16-year-old winger Lamine Yamal, his spare time can be taken up with catching up with homework on his pad.
James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson
AP Euro 2024: https://apnews.com/hub/euro-2024
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

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