Pierluigi Collina explains technology limits in FIFA refereeing decisions

FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina detailed the blend of advanced technology and human judgment required to officiate major matches on the eve of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. Operating from a Miami control room equipped with interconnected screens, Collina manages refereeing operations for the largest tournament hosted by FIFA.

BBC reported that Collina directly addresses queries from FIFA President Gianni Infantino whenever controversial incidents occur on the pitch. While both officials previously watched all 64 matches together during the 2022 tournament in Qatar, the expansion across three host nations rendered shared viewing impossible for the present event.

Collina defended Video Assistant Referees against claims that the system diminishes the excitement of scoring. He noted that players celebrate immediately before experiencing a brief moment of suspense during checks, followed by a secondary celebration once officials confirm the goal. He emphasised that accepting temporary delays remains preferable to debating incorrect decisions for decades.

FIFA introduced goal-line technology during the 2014 tournament in Brazil to resolve uncertainties over whether balls crossed the line. To improve offside accuracy and public trust, the organisation implemented an automated offside system utilising Lenovo technology, which creates 3D player avatars from scans of more than 1,200 athletes.

The officiating infrastructure relies on Hawk-Eye Innovations running on Lenovo ThinkStation computers, alongside artificial intelligence powering Referee View through bodycam technology adapted from Formula 1 racing. Officials also prepare for matches using Football AI Pro, a joint Lenovo-FIFA system that analyses more than 2,000 metrics per fixture.

However, Collina stressed that technology cannot replace human judgment during critical match moments. He clarified that algorithms cannot assess physical contact, such as pushing, pulling, or shirt-pulling, warning against the misconception that technological tools can answer every scenario. As Spain and Argentina prepare for the final, Collina reiterated that final decisions ultimately depend on human referees.