Premier League set to introduce semi-automated offside technology from April 12
Premier League set to introduce semi-automated offside technology from April 12
The Premier League is set to introduce the semi-automated offside technology from April 12 (Matchweek 32), the league announced on Tuesday.
The introduction follows non-live testing in the Premier League and live operation in the fifth round of the FA Cup last month.
“The technology automates key elements of the offside decision-making process to support the video assistant referee (VAR),” the league said in a statement.
“It provides more efficient placement of the virtual offside line, using optical player tracking, and generates virtual graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for fans,” it added.
Last year, Premier League clubs unanimously agreed to introduce the technology at a shareholders’ meeting. It was expected to be implemented before Christmas, but it met with problems in testing.
The league said that it collaborated with PGMOL and sports data and technology company Genius Sports to develop the new semi-automated offside technology system.
Semi-automated offside technology has been in use in major tournaments like the 2022 World Cup and the Champions League, and also at last year’s Asian Cup.
(With inputs from Reuters)
Published on Apr 01, 2025
