EVS’ Xeebra multi-camera review granted VOL and VAR certifications

VOL and VAR certifications are part of FIFA’s ongoing effort to improve the decision-making process of the game

FIFA has granted EVS’ Xeebra multi-camera review system the internationally recognised FIFA virtual offside lines (VOL) and the video assistant referee (VAR) certification as part of FIFA’s ongoing effort to improve the decision-making process of the game.

The certifications follow the Xeebra system undergoing a series of tests carried out by independent, FIFA-accredited test institutes at the Grimsta IP stadium in Sweden last August, during which the accuracy and consistency of the Xeebra were assessed to ensure it met requirements set out by the FIFA Quality Programme for VOL and VAR.

While this was the first year the quality programme for VAR was introduced, Xeebra had previously obtained the quality label for VOL in 2019, with the renewal demonstrating Xeebra’s ability to generate a virtual offside line under the stringent requirements of FIFA’s new protocols.

EVS’ Xeebra multi-camera review system helps match officials make more confident decisions by swiftly reviewing a given action from multiple angles, displayed in complete synchronisation. It uses machine learning technology to automatically calibrate the field of play and overlay a virtual offside line on the broadcasted image in seconds.

The Xeebra also offers operators the ability to position a second line: one for the attacking player and the other for the defender for greater accuracy. While not yet part of the current certification process, this feature has also been tested for research purposes by FIFA and has proven to be invaluable when decisions around offside positions are uncertain.

“Having our Xeebra review systems approved and certified by FIFA for both VOL and VAR is a major achievement for EVS,” commented François Gillet, Solutions Specialist at EVS, “Our customers can take advantage of our industry-leading technology across a broad range of competitions and rest assured their deployed solution is built to the highest standards thanks to FIFA’s rigorous assessment.”