Feature: What's next for the beautiful game? – February 2008  

A unique study published in February 2008 by Orange and Football Fans Census reveals that robotic linesmen, microchip communication and soccer pitches packed with technology could become a reality much sooner than we think.

Commissioned to look at the impact technology will have on soccer within the next 10-15 years, and following findings that saw 82%* of soccer fans claiming more technology would improve their enjoyment of the game - the Orange Future of Football Report charts the opinions of experts and maps the games' evolution to highlight implications not only for the fans, but for the managers and clubs as businesses as well.
The report also comes at a time when 35%** of fans believe they have strong enough grounds to dispute more then 20 decisions made by referees in the English Premier League this season alone.

Key findings of the report include:

1. On-field communications - Players of the future will have vital information communicated to them by the referee and their own manager via mobile devices located on their bodies.
2. Robotic linesmen - Managers will have to find something else to complain about as experts believe this will become a reality in the next 20 years. 
3. Clever pitches - LEDs and sensors will be packed into the ground to aid referees on making crucial decisions.
4. Holographic viewing - With 3D holographic technology, the game will be transmitted via your broadband connection replicating a pure 3D image on your TV at home, all without the need for funny glasses. 
5. In stadium living - No more traffic problems getting the ground, we'll already live there. Fans will be able to live in and around soccer grounds as the ultimate display of loyalty, an honour previously reserved for groundskeepers.
6. In seat technology - Stadiums of the future will offer the 21st century fan a choice of camera angles to compliment each seat. In-seat services, with people pre-ordering via phone for food, drink or merchandise to be delivered to the seat could be common place.

Orange produced the report in support of its continual association with soccer on and off the pitch. Not only does the company provide the most comprehensive mobile soccer coverage and club content of any UK operator, but the company's Business Services and R&D teams have firsthand experience in providing communications that help bring the 'beautiful game' to the masses.
Commenting on the report, Graham Fisher, head of research and development at Orange said: "Technology in soccer is now a huge national debate, with the margins between winning and losing so small, the ref’s decision becomes even more important. Technology can only play a positive role in shaping the development of the game, helping to rid it of on field injustices and ensure an accurate experience".
Tom Savigar, director of The Future Laboratory commented: "Some of these findings may sound as though they have come straight out of a sci-fi book, but the reality is they are on our door step, waiting to happen."
Savigar continues: "Digital and mobile technology is already at the fans’ finger tips, whilst Premier League stadia are rapidly improving, incorporating new technologies to enrich the supporters experience. All these developments are clear indicators that technology is now part of the game and will only make it better."

The full report is available free to download from www.orange.co.uk/sport
 
Football Fans Census is a leading European soccer fan research business. Visit www.footballfanscensus.com for further information.

*The Football Fans Census spoke to 3,072 soccer fans on the subject of technology between 15 and 22 March 2006

**The national survey of 1,039 soccer fans was conducted by the
Football Fans Census on behalf of Orange on Monday 28 January 2008.

Contributors to the report include: Roy Jones, professor of sports technology, Loughborough University; Graham Fisher, head of Orange research and development; Tom Watt, BBC Radio presenter and pundit; Dr Rogan Taylor, director of The Football In Group at The University of Liverpool; Vasco Wackrill, board member of FC United; Barry Mcneil, business and development manager of Prozone; Nick Barber of Umbro; Philip Newton, director of Lilleshal Sport Injury Rehab, Dave Reddin sports consultant for Catalyst and a performance consultant working in soccer.

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