Tue Apr 01 19:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Premier League to Implement Semi-Automated Offside Technology
**London, UK** – Starting this Saturday, April 12th, the Premier League will introduce semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) across all matches. The system, already used in the World Cup, Serie A, La Liga, and the Champions League, aims to improve the speed, accuracy, and consistency of offside decisions.
SAOT automates the process of determining offside calls by using bespoke cameras installed in all 20 Premier League stadiums. These cameras track the ball and 10,000 data points on each player, instantly calculating the precise position of players relative to the ball at the moment of a pass or shot. Artificial intelligence analyzes this data, providing a decision that is then reviewed by VAR officials before being relayed to the on-field referee.
A key feature of the new technology is a 3D animation, generated by the AI, which will be shown to viewers on television and on stadium screens, illustrating the offside decision. This visual representation aims to increase transparency and understanding for fans and players alike. The system aims to eliminate human subjectivity in borderline offside calls by replacing manual assessment with automated calculations of ball position, player positioning, and the timing of the play.
The first match to utilize SAOT will be Manchester City versus Crystal Palace. The Premier League believes this technology represents a significant step forward in improving the accuracy and efficiency of officiating.
First Piper 