Hawk-Eye sets sights on next-gen football technology

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Image credit: FIFA Inside

FIFA and Hawk-Eye are working together again to create the ‘Football Technology Centre’, a joint venture that will create new and emerging football technology. 

The Sony-owned Hawk-Eye currently provides FIFA with football technology used in the men’s and women’s World Cups. The existing partnership has worked on implementing semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) and artificial intelligence (AI). 

Hawk-Eye has established itself as a pioneer in sports technology since 2001 and is trusted by major sporting events globally. Its takeover in sports technology has come from mission statements of creating officiating solutions, providing accurate results for referee decisions, enhancing sports safety for the players, and ultimately making their work digestible for fans to understand the game’s decisions and nuances.  

The immediate technological focus areas cover performance enhancement of the already-in-place technology between the two organisations, officiating efficiency and on-pitch detection algorithms. 

With the commencement of the ‘Football Technology Centre,’ FIFA and Hawk-Eye will work towards improving officiating performance through automated offside technology that alerts match officials through a smartwatch, similar to the already-in-place goal-line technology.

These two organisations continuing this technological football advancement partnership makes a lot of sense, considering how the developed SAOT tracks skeletal and object movements of the game ball and all players on the pitch. The in-place system works hand-in-hand with the future objectives of both companies.

The technology will guide video match officials in receiving alerts through the SAOT. Once they review the footage, the on-field match officials will receive the alert.

Since its introduction, SOAT has beaten the VAR system by an average of 30 seconds per decision while providing better accuracy, visual validation, and enhanced clarity among officials and spectators. 

On the performance enhancement side of the ‘Football Technology Centre’, the match analytics data feeding and biomechanical data capture can provide FIFA clubs with insightful data on athletes and improve how we analyse football beyond what we see with the naked eye. Critical game situations can be recreated through AI in the metaverse for VR training.

The benefits of Hawk-Eye and FIFA from a fan perspective and engagement aspect are that a 3D virtual recreation of the SAOT decision, once video officials and match officials rule on offside calls, it will automatically be made and shared with the television broadcasting and stadium big-screen. 

Through a corporate lens, Sony’s calculated acquisitions and investments in sports technology and biochemical data capture a clear vision for the tech giant to continue dominating the sports technology space.

Beyond Hawk-Eye, owning Pulselive (digital specialist), Beyond Sports (immersive data visualisation), and the new sports technology acquisition for Sony, KiniTrax (motion capture). Sony’s sports division’s focal point is improving digital solutions, broadcast technologies, and officiating solutions for all companies owned under their sports branch.   

As a leader in sports technology innovation, Hawk-Eye evolves broadcast and production potential through its work. It gives FIFA cutting-edge data analysis through its intricate AI software, which is then visualised and shared with the viewers.

Hawk-Eye is continuing to push the envelope with new software that enhances football in all facets is a remarkable achievement, especially in its success in revolutionising the game, particularly for referees.

Future implications from this joint venture include further technological integration between existing software through the FIFA and Hawk-Eye collaboration, more robust development opportunities for AI, and how it can help shape the future of football on an international scale, advanced training practices for players and enhancing officiating systems. 

The continued collaboration between FIFA and Hawk-Eye is a colossal step in football’s technological advancement, shaping its evolution in the coming years. 

For more information on Hawk-Eye Innovations and how they are shaping the future of football, click here.

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Soccerex Selects Miami’s Nu Stadium for Landmark Global Gathering in 2026

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Soccerex will bring the global football industry to Miami in September 2026, with the organisation announcing Nu Stadium as the host venue for its flagship international gathering.

The leading global football business platform will stage Soccerex Miami from September 23–25, 2026, bringing together senior executives, investors, clubs, leagues, federations, brands, media organisations, technology companies and other commercial stakeholders from across the international game.

The event will take place at Nu Stadium within the Miami Freedom Park site, positioning Soccerex at the centre of one of football’s fastest-growing markets as the sport continues to expand its influence across North America.

For nearly three decades, Soccerex has served as a meeting point for the global football industry. The 2026 event represents a further step in the organisation’s evolution towards a year-round platform focused on creating strategic connections, commercial opportunities and long-term value across the game.

Soccerex Miami 2026 will feature conferences, curated networking opportunities, strategic business meetings and industry programming designed to connect decision-makers and facilitate new partnerships.

A key component of the event will be Soccerex’s expanding Deal Network platform, which is designed to create more targeted connections between investors, rights holders, decision-makers and strategic partners throughout the year.

The gathering will also continue the expansion of HerSoccerex, Soccerex’s dedicated initiative focused on increasing investment, visibility, leadership opportunities and commercial growth across women’s football.

Soccerex CEO Garrett Navia said Miami represented an increasingly important location for the global football industry.

“Miami has become one of the most important crossroads in global football,” Navia said.

“The city sits at the intersection of the Americas, international business, culture, investment and the future growth of the sport itself.

“Bringing Soccerex to Nu Stadium is not just about hosting another event, it is about establishing a long-term home for the global football industry in one of the most dynamic football markets anywhere in the world.”

Navia said Soccerex was focused on expanding its role beyond traditional events and developing a platform capable of creating measurable outcomes across the football ecosystem.

“For nearly 30 years, Soccerex has connected the global game,” he said.

“What we are building now is much bigger, a year-round platform designed to create business opportunities, strategic relationships and measurable outcomes across football while also using the reach and influence of the sport to create meaningful impact and lasting legacy within the communities it touches.”

Soccerex Miami 2026 will also place an emphasis on community engagement and impact initiatives, with the organisation aiming to use football as a vehicle to create opportunities and leave a positive legacy in the communities connected to the event.

Nu Stadium, which opened in April 2026 as the home of Inter Miami CF, will provide the backdrop for discussions around some of the most significant issues shaping football’s future.

Investment, infrastructure, sponsorship, media, technology, innovation, fan engagement, women’s football and the continued globalisation of the game are all expected to feature prominently across the three-day gathering.

Located within the wider Miami Freedom Park development, the 26,700-seat venue represents one of South Florida’s newest major football and entertainment destinations.

Additional announcements regarding speakers, strategic partners, community initiatives and industry activations are expected in the lead-up to the event.

Soccerex was founded in 1996 and has since developed into one of football’s leading business platforms, connecting clubs, leagues, federations, brands, investors, media companies, technology providers and rights holders from across the global game.

Through its international events, executive experiences, Deal Network and HerSoccerex initiatives, the organisation is seeking to expand its role as a year-round platform connecting capital, commerce, innovation and leadership across the football industry.

Soccerex Miami 2026 will take place from September 23–25, 2026, at Nu Stadium in Miami, Florida.

FCA Relaunches Coach Education Program with Expanded CPD Opportunities Through 2026

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Image Credit: Football Coaches Australia

Football Coaches Australia (FCA) is set to relaunch its Coach Education Program, offering coaches across the country a comprehensive schedule of online workshops and new education opportunities through to the end of 2026.

Following a break in the program during the FIFA Men’s World Cup period, FCA’s coach education schedule returns this month with a strong focus on providing coaches with opportunities to complete the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours required to maintain their coaching licences.

FCA plans to deliver two online workshops per month through to December, alongside a range of additional coach education initiatives covering the technical, tactical, physical and emotional aspects of the game.

The program returns on Monday, August 24, with Scottish FA Coach Education Manager Martyn Buckie presenting Technical and Tactical Priorities – The Differences When Coaching Junior/Youth and Adults.

Buckie has been a regular presenter across FCA’s coach education program and will return with another engaging session designed to provide practical insights for coaches working across different levels and age groups.

FCA members can attend the session free of charge when using the FCA member code, while guests and non-members can register for $22.50.

The following week, on Monday, August 31, Scottish National Women’s Team coach Melissa Andreatta will present The Identity Advantage – Building a Team to Stay Connected When Pressure Is Highest.

Andreatta’s session will explore the importance of team identity and connection, particularly in high-pressure environments, providing coaches with insights applicable across the game.

FCA President Ian Greener said the return of the program represents an important opportunity for coaches to continue developing their knowledge while meeting their CPD requirements.

“Our ongoing relationship with Football Australia to provide these sessions, all supported with CPD, is a valuable component of the coach education landscape and one we here at FCA are proud to bring to coaches at all levels of our game,” Greener said.

The program will continue throughout September, with Ernie Merrick among the presenters already confirmed and further speakers to be announced in the coming months.

FCA’s expanded schedule is designed not only to help coaches accumulate vital CPD hours, but also to expose them to a diverse range of perspectives and expertise from across the football community.

A major new initiative will begin in October, with renowned coach Ron Smith delivering a six-part series focused on using information technology to develop coaches’ skills in match analysis.

The series will provide Australian coaches with a new opportunity to explore the use of technology and match analysis as part of their coaching development. Initially, the program will be limited to 10 coaches, with further details to be announced by FCA shortly.

With two quality sessions planned each month through to the end of the year, FCA’s renewed Coach Education Program will provide coaches at all levels with regular opportunities to learn, connect and continue their professional development.

Further presenters, workshops and education opportunities will be announced throughout the coming months.

Registrations for Martyn Buckie’s August 24 workshop are now open via this link.

FCA looks forward to welcoming coaches back to its Coach Education Program and continuing to support the development of coaches across Australian football.

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