Premier League to introduce semi-automated technology for offside that will impact Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham
Premier League to introduce semi-automated technology for offside that will impact Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham
A huge change to how offside decisions are dealt with in the Premier League has been rubber-stamped by clubs – with semi-automated technology set to be brought in next season. The matter was discussed and passed through at the latest Premier League shareholders’ meeting on Friday morning.
During the sit-down, clubs unanimously agreed to the change, which will impact Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and fellow top-flight rivals from next season. The measure, which follows ongoing VAR controversy – when it comes to delays over decisions and getting borderline calls right – will not be ready for the big kick-off.
Instead, the technology is expected to be brought in after one of the Autumn international breaks. It means clubs might have to wait until September or November for the revamp to be implemented.
Semi-automated offside technology was used during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and is already in operation for UEFA Champions League matches. As well as providing greater accuracy with decision-making, there should be significant improvements with speed, too, to appease players, managers, supporters and broadcasters.
A statement from the Premier League read: “The technology will provide quicker and consistent placement of the virtual offside line – based on optical player tracking – and it will produce high-quality broadcast graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for supporters.”
The vote marks a change in stance from Premier League clubs after a proposed introduction, at an earlier juncture, was rebuffed. Technology will use ‘limb-tracking’ cameras and with a chip in the ball to come up with each decision.
Offside decisions will be made visible to supporters via computer-generated 3D images, while the referee will only be notified if a player has breached the line if said player touches the ball. For subjective calls – when a player may interfere without touching the ball – the technology will confirm if the player is offside or not with the referee then making a call based on whether or not their presence has had a telling impact.
