04.08.2026 14:10
It is planned to use a chipped match ball in the Süper Lig starting from the second half of the 2026-2027 season. The cost of the new technology, which will work with the sensor inside the ball, artificial intelligence, and a camera system, is noteworthy.
A new era is planned to begin in the Super Lig that will directly affect referee decisions. It was stated that the Turkish Football Federation aims to use the smart ball in the Super Lig starting from the second half of the 2026-2027 season. With this implementation, Turkey is expected to become one of the first major national leagues to use the smart ball.
THE $170 BALL
The system known publicly as the "smart ball" does not consist solely of the sensor inside the ball. The inertial measurement unit (IMU), high-speed cameras, AI-supported tracking system, and VAR infrastructure work together to support referee decisions.
While it is noted that Adidas' official match ball, named Trionda, produced for the 2026 World Cup, has a price tag of approximately $170 due to its internal sensor, it is stated that this technology will significantly increase ball costs in leagues.
WILL BE TRACKED BY 16 CAMERAS
The system operates integrated with 16 special tracking cameras placed in the stadium. The cameras track both the ball and the players, collecting 29 different data points per player 50 times per second. The obtained data is processed by artificial intelligence and automatic alerts are sent to the VAR system.
THE BIG FIVE LEAGUES DO NOT USE IT YET
The smart ball technology is not yet used in Europe's big five leagues. Among the most important reasons for this are official ball sponsors, patent rights, cost, and existing VAR infrastructures.
While the semi-automated offside system in the Bundesliga works with high-speed cameras, the smart ball was only tested in the German Cup final. The English Women's Super League, on the other hand, will be the first football league to officially use this technology in the 2026-2027 season.