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The Premier League will introduce semi-automated offside technology this season, but the system is not in place despite the campaign having started.
Top-flight clubs voted unanimously in favour of introducing the technology for the 2024-25 campaign in an attempt to streamline VAR reviews amid complaints about the time it takes to check incidents and come to a decision.
THE EXPLANATION
However, the new system has not been introduced in time for the first game of the season, with the campaign having kicked off this week. Instead, the plan is to start using it in the English top flight after one of the international breaks in either September or October.
The semi-automated offside technology, which was first put to use in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, could shave over 30 seconds off of a VAR check, the Premier League says. It is also expected to be used in FA Cup matches hosted at Premier League stadiums and for the semi-finals and final at Wembley.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
An explanation from the Premier League says “computer vision cameras” will be placed in every top-flight stadium this season.
“These cameras around the ground will track the ball as well as thousands of data points for each player and the ball,” the Premier League adds.
“When a match-defining moment occurs, such as a penalty, a goal or a red card, the technology will track to see if any attacking player involved in the build-up to the incident was offside.
“If a player receives a ball in an offside position, the technology will send an alert to the officials in the VAR Hub.
“They will check that the point of contact with the ball and automated offside line have been correctly recorded. The VAR will then inform the on-field officials if an offside has been recorded.”
WHAT NEXT?
For now, Premier League clubs will have to continue with the manual system that has been in use since VAR was first brought into the division as they await news on when the new technology will finally be in place.
