The Premier League is set to introduce semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) for the 2024-25 season, aiming to provide quicker and more consistent offside decisions. The new system, based on optical player tracking, will replace the current provider, Hawk-Eye, and is expected to reduce the average time for an offside VAR review by 31 seconds. SAOT has been previously implemented in other leagues such as Serie A and LaLiga, and aims to address the delays, inaccuracies, and lack of confidence associated with the current VAR offside system.
Premier League clubs have approved the use of semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) for the 2024-25 season, which will use the same cameras and software as UEFA's Champions League. The SAOT aims to save time and provide consistent placement of the virtual offside line, with the hope of reducing disruptions caused by offside decisions. The technology, which has been used in other competitions like the World Cup and Serie A, will work alongside the existing manual VAR system and is expected to bring an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for supporters.
The Premier League will introduce semi-automated VAR offside technology (SAOT) next season, aiming to remove the manual element of detecting offside and provide quicker and more accurate decisions. The new system, which uses optical player tracking, is expected to save an average of 31 seconds per VAR check. SAOT will replace the current offside technology provider, Hawk-Eye, and is anticipated to be in place after one of the autumn international breaks. While it offers improved accuracy, there may be a higher likelihood of goals being ruled out due to its precision.
