• The decision comes following ‘non-live’ testing in the Premier League itself
• Officials claim it will bring ‘a more efficient placement of the virtual offside line’
The Premier League is to introduce semi-automated offsides ahead of the season’s conclusion.
Following a trial in the FA Cup – and ‘non-live’ testing in the league itself – the green light has been given to introduce the technology from April 12.
The system was not without issue during its test run, which saw it first used from the Fifth Round last month.
Fans were left outraged during Bournemouth’s clash with Wolves after an eight-minute delay was triggered by an issue with the technology which did not work, and which meant the VAR had to go back to the ‘old-fashioned’ line-drawing method to determine whether a goalscorer was offside.
The incoming technology provides what top-flight officials say is ‘a more efficient placement of the virtual offside line using optical player tracking’.
They add that it ‘generates virtual graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for fans’.
Semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) will be used in the Premier League from April 12
The decision comes following its trial in the FA Cup ¿ and ¿non-live¿ testing in the league itself
The Premier League’s incoming technology provides what top-flight officials say is ¿a more efficient placement of the virtual offside line using optical player tracking¿
A Premier League spokesperson added: ‘The Premier League will introduce semi-automated offside technology on Saturday 12 April (Match Round 32). This follows non-live testing in the Premier League and live operation in the FA Cup this season.
‘The technology maintains the integrity of the process while enhancing the speed, efficiency, and consistency of offside decision-making.
‘The Premier League has worked in collaboration with PGMOL and sports data and technology company Genius Sports to develop the new semi-automated offside technology system.’
