Premier League to Introduce AI-Based Player Tracking Technology for Offside Calls
In a groundbreaking move, the Premier League has announced that it will be implementing AI-based player tracking technology for offside calls starting from next season. This decision comes after England’s top-division clubs unanimously agreed on the introduction of semi-automated offside technology, set to be launched during the first half of the upcoming season.
The new technology is expected to revolutionize the way offside decisions are made, providing quicker and more consistent placement of the virtual offside line based on optical player tracking. This will not only enhance the overall experience for supporters but also reduce the time it takes officials to reach their decisions.
Semi-automated offside technology has already been successfully used at the World Cup in Qatar in 2022 and in Italy’s Serie A. The Premier League’s system is said to be more aligned with the one used by UEFA in the Champions League, utilizing multiple cameras to track player movements and record data points to create a 3D offside line.
With extensive testing and analysis already conducted this season, the new technology is expected to shave off an average of around 30 seconds from the current VAR decision-making process. This move aims to improve confidence in decision-making and reduce the occurrence of high-profile mistakes.
While the semi-automated system will be the primary method for offside calls, a manual system will be available as a backup in case of any technological failures. The Premier League is set to announce more details on the exact nature of the offside technology once contracts are finalized, promising an exciting new era for football officiating.