CORNERFLICK
La Liga will introduce connected ball technology across all matches from the 2027-28 season, making it the first national football league in the world to use it for an entire campaign.
How the system works
A sensor inside the official Puma ball tracks the exact moment of contact and the ball’s position in real time. About 12 antennas in each stadium pick up the signal and feed it into existing VAR and semi-automated offside systems.
La Liga said the internal sensor does not alter the ball’s performance. Unannounced tests with players reportedly found no noticeable difference in touch, weight, flight or balance compared with the standard match ball.
What it will help officials judge
The league developed the project with the Spanish referees’ technical committee, Puma and Kinexon, with referees involved in the rollout. It is designed for decisions that can turn on a fraction of a second, including offside, handball, deflections, corner appeals and second-touch situations.
La Liga will use 14 connected balls in each match. One will be in play, one will sit with the fourth official and 12 more will form part of the league’s multi-ball system around the pitch.