The DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga has reached a new milestone in its data automation strategy with the implementation of AI-driven Automated Event Detection (AED). The system, which leverages the 3D player tracking infrastructure introduced at the start of the 2025/26 season, represents a fundamental shift from manual data logging to machine learning.
The technology, developed by Sportec Solutions AG in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), utilizes multiple camera feeds to translate player movements into 21 defined skeletal points. This level of detail allows the AI to recognize specific body orientations and actions in real time.
Real Time Classification and Confidence Scores
Unlike traditional methods where operators manually log passes and shots, the new system uses machine learning to classify events. During live matches, the AI assigns a “confidence score” to each action, indicating the probability that a movement matches a specific category, such as a pass, reception, or set piece.
Currently, the system is capable of detecting several ball-centric events:
- Passes and ball receptions
- Shots on goal
- Set pieces including throw-ins, corners, goal kicks, and penalties
Strategic and Commercial Impact
The move to semi-automated collection is designed to increase both the volume and granularity of available data. For the DFL, this opens new avenues for advanced performance analytics for clubs, enriched broadcast graphics for media partners, and interactive data products for fans.
Dr. Hendrik Weber, Head of Sports Technology & Innovation at the DFL, emphasized that while the system is highly advanced, it currently runs in parallel with manual processes to ensure the highest quality standards. “Through software-supported processing of tracking and event data, we will be able to generate entirely new data products for various stakeholders,” Weber stated.
Development is already underway to expand the AI’s capabilities to recognize more complex “off-ball” behaviors, such as a player’s scanning movement before receiving the ball.