Like most sports football has become more competitive, more intense, louder and attracting a wider spread of fans and following over the past two decades or so. All of this has attracted more money and interest… with emphases on greater efficiency and investment in the game; from the stands to the field to the kit, the paint and the ball.
From the playing field, to the kit, technological advances and application in jerseys (for instance) has supported and enhanced players’ postures, kinetic chain, core stability and movement efficiency. Jerseys have become more water resistant, able to ‘breathe’ and prevent players from overheating. Artificial fabrics have replaced the heavy natural fibres of two or three decades ago, and are more ‘hydrophobic’ and move water and swear away from the skin onto the outer surface of the jersey.
The introduction of Var (Video Assisted Referee) is the most latest, certainly the most prominent (and controversial) addition to the game. Notwithstanding mistakes and apologies by referees, VAR has improved officiating standards/on-field decision-making. Opposition to VAR will probably continue for a while, yet. In general, nostalgiacs, romantics, the eternally angry (and the extreme luddites) would like nothing better than going back to the time when ‘men were men’ when football was ‘a man’s game,’ and when the sport was played in the mud, wind and rain because, you know, it’s ‘a man’s game,’ and all that rubbish. Investment in the women’s game is arguably the best thing that has happened to football over the past two decades. I say that not just because Aitana Bonmati and Vivianne Miedema are an absolute joy to watch.
The next stage in VAR’s development will probably be the application of coating materials – nanocomposite multi-functional paints or coating that would monitor vibration, contact and acoustics – onto the ball, boots and paints on the grass and goalposts. There is a lot of research on football boots already underway. This research has focused on protection, safety, fit, stability and flexibility, conductivity or electricity insulation, and a range of safety standards and requirements. Nano technology is making significant progress. It is, surly, only a matter of time before a referee would be able to make a more accurate decision about whether a ball has crossed the line or a player has stepped out of bounds.
I am not exactly enamoured by the prospect of the beautiful game become even more and more part of the culture industry, and someday, gladly not in my lifetime, a variation of The Running Man. Okay, I am exaggerating for effect.