-
The English Premier League has announced that the semi-automated offside technology will be introduced this season.
-
The system will function as a supportive resource, streamlining essential parts of the offside call procedure for the video assistant referee (VAR).
-
Semi-automated offside technology appeared for the first time in English football during the fifth round of this season’s FA Cup.
The Premier League has announced that it will implement Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT) this season.
This season, the system made its debut in England during the FA Cup fifth round at Premier League venues and was subsequently utilized again in the quarter-finals.
The rollout date confirmed
When sharing the announcement on Twitter, the Premier League stated that they would introduce semi-automated offside detection starting from Matchweek 32, which begins on April 12.
“Semi-automated offside technology will be introduced by the Premier League for Matchweek 32, commencing on Saturday 12 April,” a statement read on the Premier League X account.
What does semi-automated offside technology entail?
According to the Premier League site, the semi-automated offside tech serves as an advanced aid for VARs to ensure precise offside calls.
It ensures precise decisions on close calls by either confirming or suggesting a correction to the referee’s judgment.
Advantages of using SAOT
Thanks to sophisticated optical tracking technology, this system facilitates more accurate offside calls and creates virtual visuals, thereby improving the overall game experience for both spectators at the venue and those watching from home.
The system ensures the fairness of the decision-making procedure while enhancing the velocity, precision, and uniformity of offside calls.
The first games using the semi-automated offside system
The technology is set to be used for the first time on Saturday, April 12, starting with Man City’s match against Crystal Palace at 14:30.
Subsequently, Brighton will go up against Leicester, Nottingham Forest will encounter Everton, and Southampton will compete with Aston Villa, all matches starting at 17:00.
The day will conclude with Arsenal hosting Brentford at 19:30.
Audience Responds to New Offside Technology in the Premier League
@tiwale said,
Well done, EPL! Following numerous incorrect decisions benefiting LFC and Arsenal, we should finally address the issue in round 32.
@NaufalSulaiman_ reacted,
The top football league globally, yet its administration moves at such a sluggish pace. Both La Liga and the World Cup implemented this beforehand, but the Premier League is still behind.
@Herrywitty1 stated,
Despite how advanced this technology is on the European scale, the Premier League will quickly transform it into a tool for weekly persecution, with Howard Webb defending it each time.
@24asnurgy24 asked,
This is excellent, but why at this moment? Wouldn’t it be better to postpone the decision until the season concludes to ensure consistency throughout the year? I’m not objecting, merely puzzled about the timing.
@newmandr6624 said,
Let’s examine how effectively this could assist with offside calls in the league. It has nearly eliminated offside disputes in La Liga altogether.
Football implements new strategies to address goalkeeper delays during matches.
GaptekZone.co.ke
Previously covered the new regulations implemented by IFAB aimed at reducing time-wasting by goalkeepers.
Beginning with the 2025-26 season, goalkeepers will be allowed to keep possession of the ball for up to eight seconds; exceeding this timeframe will lead to an indirect free-kick awarded to the opposition.
Leave a Comment