A leading futurist has suggested that the implementation of 5G Standalone (SA) Technology in the UK could potentially revolutionize Sports such as football and also bring an end to VAR – the controversial video assistant referee system.
Andrew Grill, a prominent futurist, made the prediction in a report titled ‘Living in the Moment’ which was produced in partnership with Vodafone. The report outlines the potential impact of 5G SA technology across various sectors, including sports.
As opposed to the current 5G technology, 5G SA promises higher speeds, lower latency, and increased reliability and security for users. Grill pointed out that this advancement could pave the way for an era of enhanced sporting experiences, with smarter technology being used to assist referees in making more accurate decisions.
According to the futurist, this could potentially eliminate the need for human review and reduce the controversial decisions that often arise with VAR. Utilizing sensors placed around the ground and wearable technology for the players, the system would provide real-time, accurate data to referees and TV producers, in turn offering the same information to viewers.
Grill emphasized that with better data, better decisions can be made, ultimately enhancing the game. He also speculated that AI could potentially take the emotion out of interpreting certain subjective calls, like red card decisions.
The CEO of Vodafone UK, Ahmed Essam, expressed a commitment to implementing 5G SA infrastructure in the UK, with the company pledging to invest £11 billion over the next 10 years and deliver 5G SA to 99% of the UK population by 2034.
The potential impact of 5G SA on sports and the end of VAR has sparked significant interest and speculation among sports enthusiasts in the UK. As technology continues to advance, this development could potentially revolutionize the way sports are experienced and officiated.
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