Top-tier clubs have unanimously endorsed the proposal, with the new system scheduled for launch at some stage in the first half of the upcoming season. Semi-automated offside technology, previously deployed at both men’s and women’s World Cup events and in the Champions League, will be introduced.
The Premier League, in an official announcement, stated: “During today’s Premier League Shareholders’ meeting, clubs unanimously supported the implementation of Semi-Automated Offside Technology. This innovative system will debut in the Premier League next season, with expectations that it will be operational following one of the autumn international breaks. Leveraging optical player tracking, the technology will swiftly and consistently establish the virtual offside line, enhancing the viewing experience for both stadium attendees and television audiences.”
This AI-driven system streamlines decision-making during VAR reviews, eliminating the need for visible lines on the screen. Instead, it creates a virtual line based on key anatomical points – such as the head, toes, upper arms, and knees – across multiple players.
Pierluigi Collina, former match official and current chairman of FIFA’s referee committee, commented on the technology in 2022: “We expect that semi-automated offside technology can take us a step further. Sometimes, the process to check a possible offside takes too long, especially when the offside incident is very tight. This is where semi-automated offside technology comes in – to offer faster and more accurate decisions.”
Utilizing ball-tracking tools, the system can pinpoint the moment of contact, rendering offside judgments immediate and more dependable. Nonetheless, decisions flagged by the new semi-automated system will require confirmation by VAR officials before relayed to on-field referees.
