Aydın Tiryaki (2025)
Innovative Communication Approaches and Future Vision on the Football Field
The Evolution and Development Potential of Communication Systems in Football
While football is known as a traditionalist sport, its openness to innovation has allowed it to incorporate numerous technological advancements. The implementation of VAR (Video Assistant Referee), in particular, is a powerful example of football’s integration with technology. In this context, headsets and AI-powered communication systems can be developed to facilitate more effective and efficient communication on and off the field.
Communication Proposal Between On-Pitch and VAR Room
In football matches, it is recommended that an integrated communication system be established between the referees on the field, the VAR officials, the players, and the technical team. In this system, all referees, VAR referees, players, the manager, and a designated number of officials are equipped with headsets. The use of these headsets is governed by specific protocols, in accordance with FIFA’s football rules. Referees only communicate with other referees during the normal course of the match, but can connect to the VAR room with a specific signal when necessary. Communication with players generally occurs between the referee and the team captain. If the referee wishes to communicate with another player, this connection is established by the official in the control room, who then establishes the communication.
Artificial Intelligence-Powered Instant Translation and Communication
When artificial intelligence comes into play, the languages in which all users want to speak and listen are defined in the system. This way, everyone can speak their own language and hear communication in their own language through their headsets. AI eliminates language barriers in communication with its instant translation function. Everyone can communicate in their own language without the need for referees and officiating teams to speak the same language. To reduce the risk of errors during translation and increase communication speed, standard and limited vocabulary appropriate to football terminology can be used.
To ensure the success of this system, training sessions involving all football stakeholders identify key areas of concern and develop solutions. Artificial intelligence analyzes and translates speech from each stakeholder in each language, and the translations are tested.
Technological Infrastructure and Security
For the communication system to operate quickly and securely, the transmission system must be installed near the pitch, and all communication must be encrypted. This ensures secure communication and prevents any communication issues during matches. New technologies have enabled the production of headphones small and lightweight enough to be placed in the players’ ears. Furthermore, advanced network structures such as Mesh Networks allow multiple users to connect simultaneously. The communication protocols and software determined by FIFA must be implemented as standard in all stadiums.
Current Rules and Application in Training
According to current rules by FIFA and national federations, players are strictly prohibited from using electronic communication devices such as headsets or walkie-talkies during matches. This prohibition aims to prevent external influence on the game and the creation of an unfair advantage. However, such technologies are freely used in training, and modern equipment is utilized for tactical communication and performance monitoring. Artificial intelligence-powered instant translation headsets in training provide significant convenience in eliminating communication barriers, especially for multinational teams.
Possible Advantages of Artificial Intelligence-Enhanced Systems
The widespread adoption of such a system will bring significant advantages, including transparency between referees and players, rapid feedback, increased discipline, more effective decision-making in crisis management, and the elimination of language barriers in international referee appointments. Integrating the VAR system into this communication network could make decision-making more transparent and error-free.
During halftime or after the match, AI can provide personalized information to each player. For example, it can individually notify each player about whether they are within their card limit or how many kilometers they have run during the match.
Since the audience neither hears the dialogue nor sees the headphones, their viewing pleasure will not be affected.
Technical and Ergonomic Features
Today, miniaturized communication and translation modules integrated into headsets, rather than waist-worn transponder systems, can provide maximum comfort for both players and referees. Small batteries, low-power chips, and advanced network technologies have made uninterrupted and secure communication possible throughout the match.
Conclusion
All these suggestions and assessments suggest that AI-powered communication systems could play a significant role in the future of football. Along with the revisions to FIFA’s rules, this approach will clearly improve the quality of communication on the stadium and the fairness of the game.
The success of the system will lead to its use in other team sports and even individual sports.
If FIFA takes this issue seriously, this draft proposal can be improved and contribute to football.
Aydın Tiryaki
Ankara, November 22, 2025
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