Premier League officials will implement semi-automated offside technology for the final seven match rounds of the season, starting from April 12.
Top clubs agreed to introduce this new system last summer, with the initial plan to launch it in the autumn.
Genius Sports, a US-based company, developed the specialized cameras – up to 28 per match. These cameras use “mesh tracking” to monitor over 10,000 data points for each player.
However, concerns about the system`s accuracy led to delays in its launch.
Although the system was tested in seven FA Cup fifth-round matches, an eight-minute delay during a Bournemouth game, where Milos Kerkez’s goal against Wolves was disallowed, caused Premier League leaders to be cautious.
All clubs have been informed that even with semi-automated offside technology, some situations, like the one at Bournemouth, will still require manual lines and crosshairs instead of relying solely on computer decisions and virtual animations.
However, recent quarter-final matches in the FA Cup were completed without any issues.
Premier League officials have confirmed their decision to proceed, stating, “The technology preserves the integrity of the VAR process while improving the speed, efficiency, and consistency of offside decisions.”
Tony Scholes, the Premier League`s chief football officer, believes that semi-automated offside technology will speed up offside decisions, reducing decision times by more than 30 seconds.
Ongoing technical improvements supported by FIFA are also expected to reduce the instances of assistant referees keeping their flags down for close offside calls. The system will automatically signal if a player is offside by more than a few inches.
The first Premier League match to use the new technology will be Manchester City`s game against Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium on April 12.
A full statement explained: “The Premier League will introduce semi-automated offside technology on Saturday, April 12 (Match Round 32). This follows testing without live games in the Premier League and live operation during this season’s FA Cup.”
“Semi-automated offside technology automates key parts of the offside decision process to assist the video assistant referee (VAR).
“It offers more precise placement of the virtual offside line, using optical player tracking, and creates virtual graphics to enhance the experience for fans in the stadium and watching broadcasts.”
“The technology maintains the integrity of the process while increasing the speed, efficiency, and consistency of offside decisions.”
“The Premier League has collaborated with PGMOL and Genius Sports, a sports data and technology company, to develop the new semi-automated offside technology system.”
Marcus Bellamy