Revolutionizing Offside Calls: Premier League Introduces AI-Based Player Tracking Technology

The Premier League has announced the implementation of AI-based player tracking technology to assist with offside calls starting next season. This move is expected to reduce the amount of time it takes officials to make their decisions during games. The top-division clubs in England reached a unanimous decision to introduce semi-automated offside technology, with plans to launch the new system in the first half of the season.

Semi-automated offside technology was tested for the first time during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, using a sensor in the ball to track its acceleration. The Premier League will be aligning their use of the technology with UEFA’s system in the Champions League. Further details on the implementation of the new offside technology will be announced once contracts are finalized. Extensive testing and analysis have already been conducted this season to ensure its effectiveness. Italy’s Serie A is currently utilizing semi-automated offside technology.

The new system involves multiple cameras tracking player movements and recording data points on relevant parts of the body for offside decisions. Artificial intelligence is then used to create a 3D offside line that is reviewed by the VAR officials. On average, it is expected to shave around 30 seconds off the time it currently takes officials to make decisions manually, increasing confidence in the accuracy of the calls. A manual backup system will be in place in case of any failures with the semi-automated technology.