La Liga to Introduce Puma Smart Ball Technology for More Accurate VAR Decisions in 2026/27 Season

According to Mundo Deportivo, La Liga will introduce the Puma smart ball and new technology to assist referees with decision-making during the 2026/27 season.

The new season will feature a Puma smart ball similar to the one used at the World Cup. The technology can help detect contact between the ball and players, allowing referees to more accurately determine the exact moment a pass is made, identify contacts that are difficult to spot with the naked eye, detect double touches during penalty kicks, and review possible handball incidents.

The innovation will provide additional support for VAR officials and aims to make football decisions more accurate and fair.