The Premier League has announced its intention to implement semi-automated technology for offside calls in the forthcoming 2024-25 season. This decision came following a statement issued by the league on Thursday, subsequent to a unanimous vote by the clubs in favour of the change.
The technology is anticipated to be operational after an international break in the autumn. This innovation aims to revolutionize the process of making offside decisions and promises to enhance the experience for both in-stadium and broadcast audiences.
A statement from the Premier League emphasized that the semi-automated technology, which will be based on optical player tracking, will ensure faster and more consistent placement of the virtual offside line. Additionally, it will produce high-quality broadcast graphics to elevate the experience for fans.
According to reports from The Athletic, the new technology is expected to expedite each decision by an average of 31 seconds. Furthermore, it is envisioned that the introduction of this system will eradicate instances where play continues following a potential offside infraction, only for the assistant referees to raise their flags after the conclusion of an attack.
This technology was previously employed at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and was praised as a natural extension of VAR technology. Through the use of cameras positioned on the stadium roof and data collection from various points on the players, the semi-automated technology can precisely calculate and determine the position of each player on the pitch.
The assistant referees will wear an earpiece through which they will promptly receive notifications if the semi-automated technology has detected an offside violation, enabling them to halt play without delay. In addition to the semi-automated technology, the Premier League intends to retain the manual VAR system of crosshair placement as a contingency for situations where many players are closely clustered together.
The 2024-25 Premier League season is slated to commence on 17th August and conclude on 25th May, following the completion of the current season on 19th May.
This update is expected to significantly alter the manner in which offside decisions are made, improving the accuracy and efficiency of the process and contributing to a more enjoyable footballing experience for all stakeholders. As technology continues to advance, it is evident that the sporting world, including football, is harnessing such progress to enhance the fairness and precision of match officials’ decisions.