The Premier League is finally set to introduce semi-automated offside technology for matches in the top flight, starting on April 12.
The decision comes after a long period of non-live testing within the league and its initial use in English football during the FA Cup fifth round in February.
Semi-automated technology is designed simplify the decision-making process for tight offside calls, as it automates key aspects of the ruling, assisting the video assistant referee (VAR) in the process.
According to the Premier League, it “enhances the speed, efficiency, and consistency of offside decision-making.”
Originally introduced at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the system has since been utilized in Serie A, La Liga, and the Champions League.
Manchester City’s home fixture against Crystal Palace will be the first Premier League match to feature the technology.
This system aims to reduce human subjectivity by replacing certain officiating decisions with automated technology.
As it stands, when a goal is scored following a close offside situation, VAR officials must assess three critical factors: the exact moment the ball was played, the positioning and angle of the defender’s body at that moment, and the same details for the attacking player.
BREAKING: The Premier League will introduce semi-automated offside technology on Saturday 12th April 🚨 pic.twitter.com/LxgRm0ZKuo
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 1, 2025
With the new system, all three of these determinations will be automated.
Specialised cameras have been installed under the roof of all 20 Premier League stadiums to track multiple factors crucial to offside rulings.
These cameras monitor ball movement and capture 10,000 surface ‘mesh data points’ on every player, allowing for precise determinations of whether an attacking player was beyond the last defender at the moment the ball was played.
Artificial intelligence oversees the entire process, analysing ball and player movement to determine offside positions.
VAR officials then review the system’s output to confirm accuracy before relaying the decision to the on-field referees, who inform the players.
Additionally, a 3D animated replay generated by the AI will be shown on television broadcasts and stadium screens to provide a clear visual representation of the decision for fans.
