FIFA continues its drive towards ever more precise refereeing. The world football governing body is currently testing new technology designed to accurately determine whether the ball has crossed the boundaries of the pitch before a goal is awarded, whether from a throw-in or a disputed play.

Provisionally named "Out of Bounds," this innovation was tested during three Intercontinental Cup matches recently held in Qatar. It is part of a series of technological tools aimed at strengthening the reliability of refereeing decisions, particularly those made by video assistant referee (VAR).

In parallel, FIFA has improved its real-time 3D recreation system, designed to expedite and clarify offside decisions. Two separate virtual feeds are now available, reproducing the viewpoints of both goalkeepers. These images are accessible to both video assistant referees and viewers, providing a more transparent review of contentious situations.

Developed in collaboration with Hawk-Eye Innovations, the technology relies on the same tracking data used for semi-automated offside detection. Although still in the offline testing phase, it has already demonstrated its effectiveness in Qatar. During the Intercontinental Cup final, a goal by Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain) was disallowed after it was confirmed that the ball had gone out of bounds before the decisive play.

This development could address many of the controversies that have plagued major competitions in recent seasons. In the Premier League, in particular, several controversial decisions related to the lack of usable camera angles have fueled debate. The case of Arsenal against Newcastle, where a goal was awarded despite a doubt about whether the ball had gone out of bounds, remains fresh in people's minds.

FIFA is also testing an instant audio alert system that signals obvious offsides to assistant referees. Already tested at the Club World Cup, this innovation aims to reduce the number of late flags raised, a practice that is often criticized.

Beyond refereeing accuracy, there is also a safety issue at stake. Last May, Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi was seriously injured after colliding with a goalpost while play continued despite a clear offside. FIFA believes that quicker decisions could help prevent such accidents.

It remains to be seen whether these technologies will soon be adopted by national leagues. One thing is certain: FIFA intends to continue pushing the boundaries of modern refereeing.