Photo Credit: Getty Images
Semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) is set to debut in the Premier League this weekend after a period of testing, delays, praise, and some criticism. The new system aims to speed up and improve the accuracy of tight offside calls following recent controversies and prolonged video assistant referee (VAR) decisions. Approved by clubs in April 2023, the rollout was delayed from autumn to allow for additional trials. The first match to feature SAOT will be Manchester City's home game against Crystal Palace.
SAOT is intended to simplify the process of judging close offside decisions by automating key elements of the review, making it quicker and more consistent. Unlike other VAR uses—such as for penalties, red cards, or fouls—SAOT is exclusively applied to offside calls. The system uses artificial intelligence to track precise movements of the ball and players, eliminating some of the subjectivity involved in traditional VAR decisions, like selecting the exact frame when the ball was played.
Each of the 20 Premier League stadiums has been equipped with about 30 high-speed cameras installed under the roof. These cameras record at 100 frames per second and track up to 10,000 data points on all 22 players on the pitch, along with the ball. When an offside check is triggered, the system automatically determines the moment the ball was played and the exact positioning of both the attacker and the last defender. VAR officials verify the accuracy of the system's data before confirming the decision with the on-field referee. A 3D animation illustrating the decision is then shown on TV and in the stadium, although officials will not verbally explain the ruling to spectators.
SAOT has already been used in the Champions League and in the FA Cup from the fifth round onwards. Its introduction is expected to reduce—but not completely eliminate—lengthy delays in offside reviews. While decisions involving subjective calls, such as fouls or handballs, will still require full VAR checks, SAOT will improve the speed and precision of offside judgments. For example, a recent four-minute VAR delay during Chelsea's win over Tottenham might have been shortened by two minutes with SAOT. However, the system wouldn't affect delays caused by decisions unrelated to offside. The Premier League reports an average VAR delay of 39 seconds per game this season, down from 64 seconds last year, and expects SAOT to continue improving efficiency.
