The Croatian Football Federation has announced a landmark agreement with Hawk-Eye Innovations, a subsidiary of the Sony Group, marking a significant step forward in the technological evolution of football in Croatia. This partnership will see the implementation of the most advanced Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in the country's top-tier league, the SuperSport Hrvatska Nogometna Liga (HNL). The collaboration is set to begin in the upcoming 2026/27 season and will last for five years, ensuring consistent support and application of cutting-edge technology throughout the period.
Under the terms of the agreement, Hawk-Eye will provide technical assistance and support for up to 188 matches per season, spread across ten stadiums nationwide. This comprehensive coverage aims to ensure that all critical moments in the domestic football calendar benefit from the latest advancements in video review technology. The new season is scheduled to start on August 1, 2026, with the opening fixtures of the first round of the SuperSport Hrvatska Nogometna Liga.
Max Wright, Director of Football at Hawk-Eye Innovations, expressed pride in being selected as the partner for this initiative. He emphasized that their VAR technology and services represent a global benchmark in video-assisted decision-making. Wright stated that they look forward to working with the Croatian Football Federation to ensure the highest standards of officiating in Croatian club football over the next five seasons.
Josip Tomaško, General Secretary of the Croatian Football Federation, highlighted the importance of integrating modern technologies into the national football landscape. He noted that the partnership with Hawk-Eye ensures long-term stability and the highest standards of VAR systems within their competitions. Tomaško believes that the technology, expertise, and experience of Hawk-Eye will further enhance the quality of refereeing, the fairness of competitions, and the trust of all participants in Croatian football. He added that the federation continues to invest in infrastructure, education, and contemporary solutions aligned with the development of world football.
The collaboration extends beyond merely implementing the technology. Ahead of the 2026/27 season, Hawk-Eye will organize an extensive practical training program for selected referees and assistant referees from the Croatian Football Federation. This initiative aims to ensure full operational readiness of the system before its official deployment. Throughout the entire season, specialized technical teams will be present at each match to provide on-site support, guaranteeing the reliability, flawless operation, and high standards of match execution.
This partnership marks the first collaboration between Hawk-Eye and the Croatian Football Federation and represents the beginning of a long-term strategic alliance. Both parties plan to continue developing and enhancing the application of new technologies and innovative solutions in Croatian football. According to the Croatian Football Federation, Hawk-Eye Innovations is already a well-established name in the global sports industry, collaborating with premier leagues such as the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and numerous clubs at the pinnacle of world football.
Hawk-Eye Innovations has been a leader in the development of technology for referee support and sports event television production since 2001. Major international sporting events rely on Hawk-Eye to make accurate decisions during crucial moments. Their computer vision technologies, video review systems, and graphic solutions contribute to fairer, safer, and more attractive sports while providing better information to referees, organizers, television broadcasters, and fans. Continuous innovations from Hawk-Eye improve refereeing, broadcast production, management of sports content, and the overall experience of following sports competitions. As part of Sony’s sports business, Hawk-Eye shares a common mission of developing and delivering top-tier solutions for refereeing, television production, and digital sports content.
7 reports
Net.hrIndependentCenterFactual 98Objective 948 days agoThe Croatian Football Federation (HNS) has announced a five-year partnership with Hawk-Eye Innovations, a subsidiary of Sony, to implement the most advanced Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in the SuperSport Croatian Football League starting from the 2026/27 season. The agreement ensures support for up to 188 matches across ten stadiums nationwide, guaranteeing high standards of match integrity through cutting-edge technology. Hawk-Eye will provide technical assistance, training programs for referees, and on-site support throughout the season. This collaboration marks the first partnership between HNS and Hawk-Eye and aims to elevate the quality of officiating and competition organization in Croatian football.
Bias read (Center): The article discusses a sports-related technological upgrade in football refereeing, which is inherently non-political. There is no framing that suggests bias toward any political side, ideology, or interest group. The content focuses purely on the implementation of VAR technology and does not touch
Why these scores (Factual 98 · Objective 94): This article provides precise details matching the primary source, including the exact duration of the contract, number of matches covered, and specific events included. The only minor deviation is the inclusion of a social media post which adds context but doesn't contradict the facts.
Jutarnji listIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 908 days agoThe Croatian Football Association (HNS) has announced a five-year partnership with Hawk-Eye Innovations, a subsidiary of Sony, to implement advanced Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology across all matches in the Croatian First League (SuperSport HNL), including the SuperSport Cup and the SuperSport League Cup starting from the next season. The agreement aims to improve the quality of refereeing decisions, ensure greater fairness in matches, and enhance the overall experience for players, organizers, broadcasters, and fans. Hawk-Eye’s technology includes computer vision systems, video review tools, and graphical solutions designed to support referees and provide accurate information during critical moments of games. The collaboration also involves training programs for selected referees to ensure they can effectively utilize the new system.
Bias read (Center): The article discusses the implementation of VAR technology in Croatian football, which is a sports-related development. There is no political controversy or ideological framing present in the content. The focus is purely on technological advancement in sports officiating, with quotes from officials,
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 90): The article accurately reports the five-year partnership between HNS and Hawk-Eye starting in the 2026/27 season, covering all top-tier matches and including education programs. It quotes both parties' statements faithfully but uses slightly emotive language like 'važan korak naprijed' which introdu
Jutarnji listIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 705 days ago Video: FIFA, where are the chips, sensors and VAR now?The article discusses a controversial moment during the France vs Morocco match at the World Cup, where French player Adrien Rabiot appeared to handle the ball, potentially influencing the game. The incident occurred just before Kylian Mbappé scored a crucial goal in the 60th minute. Moroccan captain Mohamed Ouahbi criticized the lack of VAR intervention, questioning whether the handball should have been called. The article highlights the absence of technology like VAR and sensors that were previously used against Portugal, suggesting a potential inconsistency in officiating standards. It emphasizes the debate around the fairness of the decision and the impact on the outcome of the match.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the controversy around the handling by Rabiot and criticizes the failure of VAR to intervene, which could be interpreted as questioning the integrity of the refereeing system. While not overtly political, the tone leans toward skepticism of institutional oversight, aligning more '
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 70): The article provides specific details about the handball incident involving Rabiot and the lack of VAR intervention, citing the coach's comments. However, it uses emotionally charged language like 'pogurao' and implies bias by suggesting a pattern of favoritism toward favorites.
tportalIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 657 days agoAfter Egypt's 2-3 defeat by Argentina in the quarterfinals of a tournament, Egyptian and Arab media focused heavily on the officiating decisions made during the match. The controversy centered around French referee Francois Letexier and the role of VAR in several critical moments, particularly near the end of the game. Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan called the refereeing a 'scandal,' citing specific incidents such as a disallowed goal and two potential penalty kicks that were not awarded. These decisions fueled widespread frustration among fans and media, leading to online petitions calling for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign and viral memes criticizing perceived bias against Egypt. The loss was seen not just as a sports failure but as a missed opportunity for Egypt to control their own destiny due to controversial officiating.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses solely on the sports event and the reactions to the officiating decisions. There is no explicit political framing, bias toward any nation or ideology, or mention of political figures or policies. It remains neutral in tone, focusing on fan and media reactions rather than taking a
Why these scores (Factual 80 · Objective 65): The article accurately reports the controversy around the referee and VAR decisions but leans into the Egyptian perspective heavily, using phrases like 'skandal' and emphasizing their outrage without balancing opposing viewpoints.
tportalIndependentProgressiveFactual 80Objective 657 days ago The world is buzzing with a new scandal and Infantino's provocation: Here's what he did with the Egyptian flagThe article discusses a controversy surrounding FIFA President Gianni Infantino holding the Egyptian flag during a match between Argentina and Egypt at the World Cup. Initially appearing like a fan celebration, the act was perceived as provocative by many Egyptian fans who were upset over the controversial refereeing decisions in their defeat. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions, with Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan criticizing the fairness of the rulings. The image of Infantino with the Egyptian flag quickly spread online, with some viewing it as an attempt to calm tensions while others saw it as disrespectful, especially given the timing of the event. The situation highlights ongoing disputes over officiating and the broader geopolitical dynamics within football.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the incident as a potential scandal and emphasizes the sensitivity of the moment, particularly highlighting the Egyptian perspective and the criticism of FIFA's decision-making. It portrays the gesture as potentially provocative, aligning more with the viewpoint of those critical
Why these scores (Factual 80 · Objective 65): The article provides factual details about Infantino’s interaction with the Egyptian flag and the context of Egypt’s anger over the match outcome. However, it presents the incident as more controversial than it may be, with some subjective interpretation of the gesture, affecting objectivity.
N1 HrvatskaIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 604 days agoThe article discusses the impact of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology on football, using historical examples to illustrate how past decisions might have been different if VAR had existed. It highlights controversies around VAR's introduction at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, noting criticisms of its role in potentially altering the game's integrity. The piece references several iconic moments where VAR could have changed outcomes, such as Geoff Hurst's goal in 1966, Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' in 1986, and Frank Lampard's controversial goal in 2010. The author questions whether the game would still be the same without VAR, suggesting it has transformed football into something more akin to a legal proceeding.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced discussion of VAR's influence on football history without overtly favoring either technological advancement or traditional human judgment. It cites both positive and negative impacts, acknowledging the controversy while maintaining an objective tone.
Why these scores (Factual 75 · Objective 60): The article discusses the impact of VAR on football, referencing historical incidents like the 1966 World Cup and Maradona's 'Hand of God.' It presents a critical view of VAR but lacks specific data or citations. The tone leans towards criticism of VAR's influence on the game, showing some bias.
Telegram.hrIndependentCenter4 hr. agoThe article provides live updates on the 35th day of the 2026 World Cup, highlighting key matches and developments. Spain has reached the final after defeating France 2-0, while England faces Argentina in the second semifinal. The article mentions controversies surrounding the FIFA's decision-making, including the controversial penalty against Portugal and the disputed goals that led to the disqualification of some teams. The Croatian Football Association (HNS) has sent a strong letter to FIFA demanding explanations and transparency regarding these decisions. Additionally, there are reports of a potential sale of Diego Maradona’s legendary ball, which was used in the infamous 'Hand of God' goal during the 1986 World Cup. The article also includes comments from players like Kylian Mbappé and manager Didier Deschamps, expressing frustration over tactical decisions and match outcomes.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on sports-related events and does not involve politically charged topics such as government policies, elections, or social issues. It presents information about football matches, player reactions, and controversies within the context of the World Cup, without taking a clear side.
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