Premier League 'plan' to introduce semi-automated offside technology next season

Clubs have unanimously agreed to the introduction of this new technology

Premier League clubs have unanimously agreed to the introduction of the semi-automated offside technology for next season. The implementation of this technology is expected to cut the average length of a VAR check for offside by 30 seconds.

The Premier League, which has not disclosed the technology partner it will work with, with no contracts understood to have been signed yet, said the intention was to introduce the technology after one of the autumn international breaks – as early as September or as late as November.

“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.

Howard Webb and the referees’ body PGMOL are in discussions over allowing fans to see the footage examined by referees at VAR monitors at the same time as officials. There is the expectation that short messages on the outcome of VAR decisions will be announced by referees in stadiums next season.

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Semi-automated offside is already used in the Champions League and Serie A, while not exactly the same system, it was also used at the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, with a chip embedded inside the matchday ball.

It was also used in the most recent Women’s World Cup and at December’s Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia, which was won by Manchester City. It will also feature at the European Championship in Germany.

The Premier League currently has VAR officials check offsides using Hawk-Eye but the system has faced heavy criticism for perceived errors and the time taken to come to a decision, while also leaving fans in the stadium in the dark with no replays.

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