Premier League Okays Semi-Automated Offside Technology For Next Season

By: Gyang Dakwo

The Premier League will start using Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SOAT) next season, but it will not be ready for the start of the campaign.

At a shareholders meeting on Thursday, clubs unanimously agreed to bring in the system, which is already used in the UEFA Champions League and Serie A.

Organisers expect the technology to be in place after one of the international breaks in September, October or November.

Sources say the new technology is expected to cut the average length of a VAR check for offside by 31 seconds.

“The technology will provide quicker and consistent placement of the virtual offside line, based on optical player tracking, and will produce high-quality broadcast graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for supporters,” a league statement said.

Football’s global governing body FIFA first used semi-automated offside technology at the 2022 men’s World Cup in Qatar.