English football will embrace semi-automated offside technology from next season, with the system expected to cut VAR delays by 30 seconds.
Premier League clubs voted unanimously yesterday to introduce the new system, which has been deployed successfully in the World Cup, Champions League and other major domestic leagues.
But there will be a further delay to its arrival, which is not scheduled until after ‘one of the autumn international breaks’ next season.
Mail Sport understands the hold-up is because league chiefs want to ensure there are no glitches in the system when it is launched.
So, how will it all work and what will it look like on TV?
The way offside calls are made will change from next season in the Premier League
Semi-automated offside technology will be introduced in a bid to allow officials to make quick decisions and cut down the long waiting times VAR has been criticised for
HOW WILL IT WORK?
Twelve cameras are installed under the stadium roof to track 29 data points on the players, allowing a much more accurate measure of when a pass is played. If a player is offside, the system sends an alert to the VAR official, who decides if they are interfering with play.
WHY IS IT NOT READY FOR THE START OF NEXT SEASON?
The Premier League wants to be sure the technology is reliable and will not confirm if it will be introduced after the September, October or November international break.
The Premier League did not comment on suggestions they will change their offside technology provider, which could be another reason for a delay.
Semi-automated offside technology has been used in European club competitions and in other top European leagues, and is now coming to the Premier League
WILL IT STOP LENGTHY VAR CHECKS?
The top flight has conducted extensive testing of the technology this season and have concluded that its arrival will cut stoppages for VAR offside checks by an average of 31 seconds. The current ‘crosshairs’ system of lines drawn on a screen will remain as a back-up.
IS IT MORE ACCURATE?
Yes. Instead of the VAR official deciding when the ball has been played, the new system is faster and more accurate, as seen in the Champions League and the 2022 World Cup.
It also provides a virtual image of an incident, rather than lines drawn on a still image. However, because of the improved accuracy, even more goals may be ruled out for fractional ‘toenail’ offsides.
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