About this episode

The episode discusses the impact of technology on sports officiating and the mixed reactions from players and fans.

This year, technology has more influence in officiating sports than ever before. At the men's World Cup, the role of virtual assistant referee technology (VAR) has been extended to include two more on-pitch scenarios while in tennis, umpires use electric line calling systems (ELC) to make final decisions. Both bits of kit aim to improve the accuracy. It’s become easier to consider match-defining moments through these tracking and review systems’ specialised cameras. But, this information takes human officials valuable time to analyse. Football fans criticise VAR for this reason, saying it delays match momentum. Top ranking tennis players Aryna Sabalenka and Alexander Zverev have also complained as these systems are not yet infallible. If technology is as imperfect as a human referee or umpire and can interrupt the fan experience too, why do elite sports rely on it? Contributors Carlo de Marchis, independent adviser in sports and media technology in Italy Dr Otto Koblinger, former sports scientist, Munich Technical University, Germany and senior data manager, Saudi Pro League Professor Odilon Roble, sport philosopher and psychoanalyst, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil Matt…

People in this episode

Host: Tanya Beckett

Guests: Carlo de Marchis, Dr Otto Koblinger, Professor Odilon Roble, Matt Moore

Topics covered

• technology in sports
• VAR
• ELC
• officiating
• fan experience
• sports commentary

Keywords

• technology
• sports
• VAR
• ELC
• officiating
• fan experience
• accuracy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Kentucky, Munich Technical University, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Saudi Pro League, BBC World Service

Products: virtual assistant referee technology (VAR), electric line calling systems (ELC)

More episodes of The Inquiry

• Can the illicit gold trade be stopped? · July 20, 2026 · 25 min
• Are we closer to gene therapy for sickle cell disease being accessible? · July 13, 2026 · 24 min
• Is Kenya serious about ending femicide? · July 6, 2026 · 24 min
• Can the New World Screwworm be stopped? · June 29, 2026 · 24 min
• Can Brussels crack the gender pay gap? · June 15, 2026 · 23 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Inquiry podcast page.