Premier League Approves Semi-Automated Offside Technology for 2024-25 Season
Premier League fans will be delighted to hear that video assistant referees (VAR) will no longer be responsible for making offside calls. Starting from the 2024-25 season, the English top flight will introduce Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT) to handle offside decisions. SAOT, powered by artificial intelligence, has already been successfully used in high-profile tournaments such as the Champions League, the 2022 World Cup, and Euro 2024. The technology aims to minimize disruptions in the game and provide accurate decisions, ultimately reducing controversy and allowing referees to manage matches more smoothly.
The SAOT system, developed by sports tech company Genius Sports, will be implemented in each Premier League stadium. It utilizes the GeniusIQ AI system to create 3D renders of players, the ball, and the offside line within seconds. This enables officials to quickly and precisely determine offside decisions without the need for drawing lines on the pitch. Tony Scholes, Premier League Chief Football Officer, expressed confidence in the new technology, stating that it would significantly reduce the time taken for offside decisions and ensure consistent application of the offside lines, enhancing the experience for supporters.
Semi-automated offsides work by tracking 29 different points on the body of every player using special cameras with limb-tracking technology. These cameras record the position of players’ goal-scoring body parts 50 times per second, allowing for almost instantaneous decisions. The data collected is then visualized through computer-generated 3D images, which clearly show the offside offense on screens for fans watching the broadcast. Referees on the field will still have the authority to intervene if the offside call is subjective and the player in an offside position does not touch the ball.
While fans eagerly await the introduction of SAOT in the Premier League, they will have to exercise patience, as the cameras have yet to be installed in stadiums across the country. Therefore, VARs will continue to make offside decisions during the initial weeks of the season. The exact date for the implementation of SAOT has not been announced, but it is expected to be introduced after one of the international breaks in September or October.
The decision to introduce SAOT later in the season has faced criticism, with former Premier League referee Mark Halsey calling it “ludicrous.” Halsey argues that the technology should have been ready from the start of the season to maintain the integrity of the competition. However, despite the delay, the Premier League is making other changes for the 2024-25 season. Team news will now be released 75 minutes before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than before. Additionally, the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up on the touchline has been increased from three to five players. Moreover, adjustments have been made to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, and the introduction of semi-automated offsides will also be implemented.
Overall, the implementation of Semi-Automated Offside Technology in the Premier League is a significant step forward for the sport. By leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced camera technology, the league aims to increase the accuracy and efficiency of offside decisions, reducing controversies and enhancing the overall experience for fans. While the delay in implementing the technology may disappoint some fans, it is crucial to ensure that the system is fully operational and ready to be used effectively. The introduction of SAOT, along with other rule changes, will undoubtedly contribute to a more streamlined and fair Premier League season.