Premier League to adopt semi-automated offside technology

Apr 11, 2024 1 min read
Semi-automated offside technology will be used in the Premier League next season (Zac Goodwin/PA)
Semi-automated offside technology will be used in the Premier League next season (Zac Goodwin/PA)

The Premier League will use semi-automated offside technology before the end of the year.

Clubs unanimously agreed to introduce the technology next season at a meeting of top-flight teams on Thursday, which sources say is expected to cut the average length of a VAR check for offside by 31 seconds.

The Premier League said the intention was to introduce the technology after one of the autumn international breaks – so as early as September or as late as November.

VAR checks for offside are expected to be reduced by 31 seconds on average with the introduction of the technology
VAR checks for offside are expected to be reduced by 31 seconds on average with the introduction of the technology (Peter Byrne/PA)

“The technology will provide quicker and consistent placement of the virtual offside line, based on optical player tracking, and will produce high-quality broadcast graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for supporters,” a league statement said.

Football’s global governing body FIFA first used semi-automated offside technology at the 2022 men’s World Cup in Qatar.

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