Everton and Liverpool are set to be affected by a Premier League rule change
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The electronic scoreboard displaying that VAR is checking a goal for a possible offside during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Burnley at Anfield
The Premier League is bringing in semi-automated offside technology
The Premier League have confirmed that they will introduce semi-automated offside technology later this month. The move comes after non-live testing in the top-flight and live operation in the FA Cup this season.
FIFA first used the technology at the 2022 men's World Cup in Qatar, and the Premier League revealed back in April of last year that clubs had voted unanimously to introduce the technology (SAOT) this season. At the time, the Premier League claimed that the hope was that, on average, offside decisions would be made more than 30 seconds faster than last season under the old system.
It also said that graphics will be produced and made available to broadcasters and the Premier League’s digital platforms and will be shown on the big screen to fans in the stadium. And now it has been confirmed that from Saturday, April 12, which is Match Round 32, the technology will be in place.
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A statement from the Premier League read: “The Premier League will introduce semi-automated offside technology on Saturday 12 April (Match Round 32). This follows non-live testing in the Premier League and live operation in the FA Cup this season.
“Semi-automated offside technology automates key elements of the offside decision-making process to support the video assistant referee (VAR). 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 technology maintains the integrity of the process while enhancing the speed, efficiency, and consistency of offside decision-making.
“The Premier League has worked in collaboration with PGMOL and sports data and technology company Genius Sports to develop the new semi-automated offside technology system.”
Speaking back in August about semi-automated offside technology, Howard Webb, PGMOL Chief Refereeing Officer, said: “The biggest benefit of semi-automated offsides is around the efficiency of the process.
"We already believe our interventions around offside are accurate. The manual use of technology can take time, particularly in the more complicated situations. We're looking forward to making it quicker but retaining the accuracy.
“It's 'semi-automated' because there still needs to be some validation on the outputs from the technology that the VAR will go through, such as identifying the kick point.
“The other big advantage is it will create graphics we can use in-stadium and with broadcasters. This ability to see the offside, we believe, will give a better experience for people watching on TV and within the stadium."
Everton travel to the City Ground to take on Nottingham Forest on Saturday, April 12, while Liverpool welcome West Ham United to Anfield a day later.