Premier League to introduce offside technology

Premier League teams have voted to implement a new semi-automated offside technology starting from the next season.

This system uses artificial intelligence to monitor offside incidents. It has been successfully used in major tournaments like the World Cup and Women's World Cup, as well as in the Champions League.

Using a combination of camera footage and specialised software, the technology will swiftly determine the position of players during potential offside situations, replacing the need for VAR teams to manually assess these instances. 

Trials have been made and has shown that this approach can reduce the average time it takes to make a VAR decision by 31 seconds.

After closely observing the effectiveness of the system over recent months, the Premier League is now prepared to introduce semi-automated offside technology in the upcoming season.

In a released statement the league said: "At a Premier League Shareholders’ meeting today, clubs unanimously agreed to the introduction of Semi-Automated Offside Technology. 

The new system will be used for the first time in the Premier League next season, and it is anticipated the technology will be ready to be introduced after one of the autumn international breaks.

The technology will provide quicker and consistent placement of the virtual offside line, based on optical player tracking, and will produce high-quality broadcast graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for supporters."

Premier League clubs have unanimously agreed to the introduction of Semi-Automated Offside Technology from next season

It will provide quicker placement of the virtual offside line and high-quality graphics to ensure an enhanced broadcast and stadium experience

— Premier League (@premierleague) April 11, 2024