Premier League to introduce semi-automated offside technology for faster, more accurate decision-making starting April 12
Soror Shaiza | Apr 03, 2025, 16:54 IST
( Image credit : AP )
The Premier League is stepping up its tech game by rolling out semi-automated offside technology beginning April 12. The move, designed to speed up and improve the consistency of offside calls, follows successful testing in the FA Cup and non-live trials in the Premier League. The tech promises to offer fans a better in-stadium and broadcast experience with enhanced visual aids.
The Premier League will officially introduce semi-automated offside technology on April 12, with the technology set to be used in live matches for the first time during the game between Crystal Palace and Manchester City. The decision was announced Tuesday by the league, which aims to enhance the speed, accuracy, and consistency of offside decisions.
This advanced system, which has already been used in the FA Cup, was developed in collaboration with referees and Genius Sports. The semi-automated offside technology utilizes optical player tracking to accurately position virtual offside lines and generate clear visual graphics for both in-stadium and broadcast audiences.
How it works
The technology tracks players' movements and calculates the exact positions of players’ limbs, providing real-time visuals for officials to make quicker, more consistent offside calls. The system is expected to reduce the time needed to make these decisions, which in the past has been a source of frustration for both players and fans due to delays and uncertainty.
With the new system, fans watching from the stadium or at home will benefit from clearer, more informative graphics, allowing them to see how the offside lines are drawn and better understand the referee's decision-making process. The Premier League emphasized that this technology aims to enhance the overall viewing experience, offering more transparency and clarity for all involved.
The league previously conducted non-live testing with the system in its regular matches, and after positive results, it is now ready for official use. The rollout follows the successful implementation of similar technology in the FA Cup, which was praised for its accuracy and efficiency.
The first official game to feature the semi-automated offside system will be Crystal Palace’s match against Manchester City on April 12. Premier League officials are hopeful that this system will help improve decision-making, reduce human error, and keep up with the ever-evolving landscape of football technology.
This advanced system, which has already been used in the FA Cup, was developed in collaboration with referees and Genius Sports. The semi-automated offside technology utilizes optical player tracking to accurately position virtual offside lines and generate clear visual graphics for both in-stadium and broadcast audiences.
How it works
The technology tracks players' movements and calculates the exact positions of players’ limbs, providing real-time visuals for officials to make quicker, more consistent offside calls. The system is expected to reduce the time needed to make these decisions, which in the past has been a source of frustration for both players and fans due to delays and uncertainty.
What fans can expect
With the new system, fans watching from the stadium or at home will benefit from clearer, more informative graphics, allowing them to see how the offside lines are drawn and better understand the referee's decision-making process. The Premier League emphasized that this technology aims to enhance the overall viewing experience, offering more transparency and clarity for all involved.
The league previously conducted non-live testing with the system in its regular matches, and after positive results, it is now ready for official use. The rollout follows the successful implementation of similar technology in the FA Cup, which was praised for its accuracy and efficiency.
The first official game to feature the semi-automated offside system will be Crystal Palace’s match against Manchester City on April 12. Premier League officials are hopeful that this system will help improve decision-making, reduce human error, and keep up with the ever-evolving landscape of football technology.