The groundbreaking new ball technology used at Euro 2024 cannot be transferred to European leagues yet.
Euro 2024 continues to use semi-automated offsides, first trialled successfully at the 2022 World Cup.
A new feature at Euro 2024 is a microchip inside the Adidas-designed ball. This chip acts as a sensor, allowing UEFA officials to pinpoint the ball's location on the pitch and detect when it makes contact with players.
The technology includes a 'Snickometer,' used in cricket to determine ball contact, which tracks sound waves when the ball is touched.
This technology was first showcased during Belgium's 1-0 defeat to Slovakia, where a goal was ruled out by VAR for a Lois Openda handball. The Snicko feature confirmed the handball before Romelu Lukaku's finish.
However, this technology cannot be used in European leagues currently. None of Europe's top five leagues can use the Adidas-designed ball because they have contracts with other ball suppliers.
The chip's design and placement are patented by Adidas, meaning other providers must develop their own versions. Kinexon, the company that helped design the chip, has previously worked with Derbystar and Puma. La Liga and Serie A use Puma balls, while the Bundesliga uses Derbystar.
The Premier League is contracted to use Nike balls from the 2024/25 season and will switch to Puma balls for the 2025/26 season.
