Premier League gears up for offside tech upgrade in 2024-25 season

The English Premier League (PL) announced on Thursday (April 11) that it will implement semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) starting from the 2024-25 season. This decision, endorsed unanimously by top-flight clubs, follows discussions involving league stakeholders. The incorporation of SAOT is expected to reduce the duration of VAR checks for offside situations by an average of 30 seconds.

**Implementation of Semi-Automated Offside Technology**
The league stated, “This technology will facilitate faster and more accurate placements of the virtual offside line through optical player tracking, and will deliver superior broadcast graphics, enhancing the experience for fans both in-stadium and watching broadcasts.”

This technology, previously utilized during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, is set to make its Premier League debut next season. It is already being used in competitions like the Champions League and Serie A, though its application in the Premier League will mirror that seen in the World Cup held in Qatar.

**How Does SAOT Work?**
SAOT operates with 12 cameras strategically placed around the stadium to track the ball and 29 data points on each player, enabling swift and accurate offside decisions. Unlike some systems, SAOT does not require a chip within the ball. Decisions are anticipated to be rendered about 30 seconds faster than current methods, and during decision-making, 3D automated images will be displayed on stadium screens. In instances where SAOT is obstructed, the existing Hawk-Eye system will serve as a backup.

**Impact on the Premier League**
The Premier League has faced criticism over several controversial decisions this season, making the introduction of SAOT a significant step towards more precise and timely officiating.

Earlier in the season, Liverpool experienced a notable error in an offside decision during a match against Tottenham Hotspur. Luis Diaz was incorrectly judged to be offside, a mistake compounded by VAR’s failure to correct the call. This incident notably impacted the title race, considering the close competition at the top of the league table. The new technology promises to enhance decision accuracy and potentially reduce such errors in future seasons.