"The latest tests of the semi-automated offside detection technology at the FIFA Arab Cup 2021™ are the most important to date," said FIFA's head of refereeing, Pierluigi Collina in a statement.

This technology, which is intended to make offside detection more reliable and faster, has already been tested "in Germany, Spain and England", but was waiting for its adoption at an entire competition, according to Johannes Holzmüller, FIFA's head of innovation.

Each stadium will have to be equipped with 10 to 12 cameras, the statement continues. These cameras should help referees assess two crucial points, namely the moment at which the ball is touched and the position of each body part of the players.

The data collected will be transmitted almost in real time to the referee's video assistance unit (VAR), with the final decision always resting with the referee himself, the soccer authority reminds.

Unlike the goal-line technology, which determines with absolute certainty whether or not the ball has been scored, offside determination can not be fully automated, underlines the head of refereeing within FIFA.

If the tests prove conclusive, this innovation might be introduced at the World Cup in Qatar (November 21-December 18), as suggested in October by Arsène Wenger, FIFA's director of soccer development.