Premier League Introduces Semi-Automated Offside Technology for Faster Decisions
Semi-automated offside tech is coming to the Premier League. Learn how it works and its impact.






Semi-Automated Offside Technology in Premier League
After trials and delays, semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) is set to be introduced in the Premier League this weekend. This technology aims to make offside decisions more accurate and faster. Clubs voted for it last April, but its rollout was postponed for more trials.
When a tight offside decision goes to VAR review, SAOT steps in. Previously, officials had to decide on three key things manually, but now the technology does it automatically. Bespoke cameras installed in stadiums monitor various elements to determine if an attacking player was offside at the exact moment the ball was played.
VAR officials still verify the system's decision. A 3D animation of the decision is shown for viewers. While SAOT will reduce delays for offside decisions, it won't eliminate them completely for complex situations.