The Premier League has announced that semi-automated offside technology will be introduced from next season. Utilizing camera footage and tracking software, the technology will determine player positions during potential offside situations without the need for VAR teams to manually judge them. This process is expected to reduce the average VAR decision time by 31 seconds, greatly benefiting match-going fans who often find themselves waiting anxiously for decisions to be made.
The implementation of this technology was unanimously approved at a Premier League shareholders’ meeting, with trials having shown its effectiveness during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Despite initial hesitations, referees’ chief Howard Webb expressed delight at the decision, stating that it will streamline the process and provide high-quality graphics directly to stadium audiences.
While semi-automated offside technology will be used for most offside decisions, VAR referees may still intervene for complex scenarios when goals are scored. Discussions are ongoing about the possibility of fans viewing the footage reviewed by referees simultaneously with officials and referees delivering brief messages on VAR decisions directly to stadium audiences in the upcoming season.
In a statement following the decision, the Premier League highlighted the benefits of this new technology, stating that it will provide quicker and more consistent placement of the virtual offside line and create high-quality broadcast graphics for an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for supporters.