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Premier League clubs have unanimously agreed to the use of the Semi-Automated Offside Technology from next season.
The decision to introduce the technology was taken at a Premier League Shareholders’ meeting today (Thursday).
“The new system will be used for the first time in the Premier League next season,” the Premier League said in a statement. “And it is anticipated the technology will be ready to be introduced after one of the autumn international breaks.”
The league body stated that the technology will provide quicker and consistent placement of the virtual offside line, based on optical player tracking.
Also, it noted that it will produce high-quality broadcast graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for supporters.
Semi-automated offside is already used in the Champions League and Serie A.
It was used at the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, with a chip embedded inside the matchday ball.
Also, it was 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 next summer’s 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.
