 from April 12, aiming to improve accuracy and speed of offside decision){kind=link}
The Premier League has announced that semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) will be introduced for the first time from April 12, following successful testing in the FA Cup. The technology aims to provide more efficient and accurate offside decision-making, enhancing the fan experience in stadiums and broadcasts.
“Semi-automated offside technology automates key elements of the offside decision-making process to support the video assistant referee (VAR),” the Premier League said in a statement. “It provides more efficient placement of the virtual offside line, using optical player tracking, and generates virtual graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for fans.”
The introduction of SAOT follows non-live testing in the Premier League and live operation in the fifth round of the FA Cup last month. Premier League clubs unanimously agreed to the implementation last year, but the technology faced problems during testing, delaying its introduction.
Currently, VAR officials check offsides, but this process has faced criticism for the time taken to make decisions and the lack of transparency for fans in stadiums. The Premier League maintains that SAOT will enhance the integrity of the process while increasing the speed, efficiency, and consistency of offside decision-making.
SAOT has been used in the 2022 World Cup, the Champions League, and the Asian Cup. Its introduction in the Premier League is expected to improve the accuracy and speed of offside decisions, enhancing the overall fan experience.
The introduction of SAOT is a significant development for the Premier League, as it aims to address the concerns of fans and players regarding the accuracy and speed of offside decisions. The technology has been designed to provide a more efficient and accurate decision-making process, which will enhance the overall fan experience.
The Premier League has been working closely with Hawk-Eye, the company responsible for developing the SAOT system. The system uses a combination of cameras and machine learning algorithms to track the movement of players and the ball, providing a highly accurate and efficient decision-making process.
The introduction of SAOT is also expected to reduce the controversy surrounding offside decisions, which has been a major talking point in the Premier League in recent seasons. By providing a more accurate and efficient decision-making process, SAOT is expected to reduce the number of disputed decisions, which will enhance the overall fan experience.