Premier League to Refrain from Implementing New Offside Technology in Upcoming Season

In a surprising decision, Premier League clubs have voted against introducing the highly anticipated ‘semi-automated offside system’ for the upcoming season. This advanced technology, already in use by FIFA and UEFA, employs limb-tracking technology to determine precise offside decisions.

According to an exclusive report by The Times, the Premier League will not adopt the ‘semi-automated’ system, but there will be notable improvements to the existing Video Assistant Referee (VAR) setup. The league plans to install four additional cameras at stadiums, enhancing the VAR’s ability to review and assess critical moments during matches.

While the ‘semi-automated offside system’ has proven successful in the Champions League and World Cup, its implementation in the Premier League is now anticipated to be delayed until at least 2024.

Although the limb-tracking technology is considered more accurate than the current system in English football, insiders caution against regarding it as foolproof, as noted by Martyn Ziegler, The Times’ chief sports reporter.

Despite the Premier League’s decision to forgo the introduction of the ‘semi-automated offside system,’ the league remains committed to conducting non-live tests on the technology to explore its potential benefits further.

Nevertheless, fans can still expect improvements in the upcoming season, as the installation of the four new cameras in stadiums aims to minimize errors that had previously impacted crucial moments. Instances like Bukayo Saka’s potentially offside goal during Arsenal’s victory over Liverpool last October and the disputed offside call involving Matheus Nunes and Toti Gomes’ goal against Liverpool will be less likely to occur due to the enhanced camera coverage.