What is semi-automated offside technology in football?

Semi-automated offside technology is being introduced into football to help improve the speed and efficiency of offside decisions in the game.

We examine how semi-automated offside technology will work and when it is set to be introduced into professional football.

What is semi-automated offside technology in football?

Semi-automated offside technology, denoted as 'SAOT', uses cameras inside stadiums which will track the movements of the ball and players in order for on-field and VAR officials to make offside decisions far quicker.

The cameras will help provide a more efficient placement of the offside line, with virtual graphics displayed to supporters inside the ground and via broadcasters for TV audiences.

If a player receives the ball in an offside position, the technology will send an alert to VAR officials, who will then check the point of contact with the ball before communicating with the on-field officials.

In essence, the semi-automated offside technology will remove the human role in determining whether or not an attacking player is offside when the ball is kicked, with the officials now purely responsible for applying the law correctly.

When will semi-automated offside technology be introduced in football?

Semi-automated offside technology was first used in football during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and has since been operational in Serie A, La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.

In April 2024, Premier League clubs approved the introduction of SAOT, with the launch expected to take place in October 2024.

However, the October launch was pushed back to allow further testing of the technology.

The FA have now announced that the technology will be trialled during the fifth round of the FA Cup at the seven matches taking place in Premier League stadiums.

Should the FA Cup roll-out go smoothly, we could see semi-automated offside technology introduced into the Premier League before the end of the 2024/25 season.

James Wilson

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