The Premier League is set to introduce semi-automated offside technology next season, which will utilize AI-based player tracking technology to make offside calls during matches. This move is expected to significantly reduce the time it takes for officials to reach their decisions and improve the accuracy of the calls.
The decision was reached unanimously by England’s top-division clubs, with the new system set to be launched in the first half of the season. The technology will provide a quicker and more consistent placement of the virtual offside line based on optical player tracking, which will enhance the in-stadium and broadcast experience for supporters by producing high-quality graphics.
Semi-automated offside technology has already been used at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where a sensor in the ball tracked acceleration. However, the Premier League’s system will be more aligned with UEFA’s system used in the Champions League. Details on the exact nature of the offside technology that will be used in the Premier League will be announced once contracts are signed. Extensive testing and analysis have been conducted this season to ensure its effectiveness.
Italy’s Serie A already uses semi-automated offside technology, where cameras track player movements and record data points on relevant parts of the body to make offside decisions. The integration of artificial intelligence processes this data to create a 3D offside line, which is estimated to reduce manual decision times by an average of around 30 seconds. This new technology aims to improve confidence in decision-making following some high-profile mistakes while still maintaining a backup manual system as a fail-safe option.
The introduction of semi-automated offside technology could revolutionize football match refereeing, making it more efficient and accurate while enhancing fans’ experience through better graphics.
In conclusion, AI-based player tracking technology is set to transform football match refereeing from next season as semi-automated offside technology is introduced using optical player tracking for faster and more accurate calls during matches. This new move has already been tested extensively this season and is expected to significantly reduce manual decision times while improving confidence in decision making after some high profile mistakes.