Overview
- A phone-sized device was used by referee Eduardo Varela in Nacional v Rentistas, with the first digital yellow shown to Juan Pablo Plada in the 12th minute and a later virtual red reported for Nahuel Gelos.
- The unit timestamps incidents and syncs them to the Uruguayan Football Association's COMET platform in real time while operating without venue Wi‑Fi.
- Early tests exposed clear visibility problems because sunlight and long distances made the screen hard to read for fans and TV viewers, prompting plans for brighter displays and LED lighting.
- AUF and developer REFe describe the rollout as experimental, say physical yellow and red cards remain the official tool under the Laws of the Game, and note the product is branded and patented.
- If technical and visibility issues are solved, the device could cut referees' paperwork and speed match reporting, but wider use would require approval from regional and global bodies such as CONMEBOL and FIFA.