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Uruguay tests digital yellow and red cards in football
Uruguay has begun testing digital yellow and red cards in competitive football. During a Copa Uruguay match between Nacional and Rentistas, referee Eduardo Varela used an electronic handheld device instead of traditional plastic cards.
Developed by the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) in collaboration with a private technology company, the device resembles a smartphone. It features physical buttons for yellow and red sanctions, which illuminate the screen in the corresponding color. The system is designed to automate match administration by transmitting data—including cautions, ejections, substitutions, and goals—directly to the COMET digital management platform in real time.
While the technology aims to reduce manual paperwork and errors, initial trials have faced challenges regarding visibility. During the Nacional vs. Rentistas match, reports indicated that the screen colors were difficult for spectators in the stands and television viewers to distinguish clearly. A previous test was also postponed due to sunlight interference. The project remains in an experimental phase as officials work to improve screen brightness and visibility.
Entities
Asociación Uruguaya de Fútbol · COMET · Eduardo Varela · Nacional · REFe · Rentistas · Uruguayan Football Association
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Juan Pablo Plada of Rentistas was the first player to receive a yellow card via the electronic device. golazo.ro · okdiario.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The device was used for the first time in an official match during the Nacional vs. Rentistas game. golazo.ro · okdiario.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The virtual cards are connected to the COMET digital platform to record match events automatically. golazo.ro · noticiasargentinas.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Referee Eduardo Varela stated the device is a positive tool that simplifies administrative tasks. noticiasargentinas.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The device features two buttons to trigger yellow or red card displays on its screen. golazo.ro · noticiasargentinas.com · okdiario.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The device can also be used to record goals, player substitutions, and penalty kicks. golazo.ro · noticiasargentinas.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The implementation of the device has faced visibility challenges in different lighting conditions. noticiasargentinas.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) is promoting the use of virtual cards to digitalize refereeing. golazo.ro · noticiasargentinas.com · okdiario.com