The English Premier League is set to transform its football officiating as it rolls out semi-automated offside technology beginning April 12, 2025.
This state-of-the-art system, leveraging high-tech cameras and AI-driven analysis, aims to deliver faster, more accurate offside decisions, putting an end to the prolonged debates that have often overshadowed the game’s biggest moments.
Already proven in global tournaments like the FIFA World Cup, the offside technology tracks player positions with pinpoint precision, offering referees real-time support and drastically cutting down on VAR delays.
The Premier League’s decision follows extensive trials and feedback from officials and clubs, ensuring the system aligns with the league’s high-octane style of play.
A Premier League representative explained that the technology aims to reduce delays and improve decision-making efficiency by automating key processes.
“By automating key aspects of the process, the technology aims to minimise delays and enhance decision-making efficiency,” said a Premier League representative.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that the semi-automated offside technology uses advanced technology to streamline the process of determining offside during matches. The system deploys up to 30 cameras installed in stadiums, capturing footage at 100 frames per second.
These cameras monitor over 10,000 data points per player and track the movement of the ball. The technology automatically detects the “kickpoint” and generates virtual offside lines, which are then reviewed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
