In a released statement, the Premier League announced that, starting next season, the English Championship will feature semi-automatic offside technology. The decision came after a meeting held this Thursday, in which the clubs unanimously agreed to the idea.
The technology is expected to be ready to be introduced after one of the autumn international breaks, that is, between September and November this year.
“The technology will provide faster and more consistent positioning of the virtual offside line, based on optical player tracking, and produce high-quality broadcast graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for fans,” it was written in the communicated.
Premier League clubs have unanimously agreed to the introduction of Semi-Automated Offside Technology from next season
It will provide faster placement of the virtual offside line and high-quality graphics to ensure an enhanced broadcast and stadium experience
— Premier League (@premierleague) April 11, 2024
The semi-automatic offside aims to reduce the VAR check time for possible irregular goals and increase the time the ball is rolling. The technology has already been used in other competitions, such as the World Cup, the Club World Cup, the Champions League, the Italian Championship, among others.
Understand how it works
In the 2022 World Cup, 12 tracking cameras were mounted under the stadium roof to track the ball. Additionally, it tracked 29 data points for each player, 50 times per second, calculating their exact position on the pitch.
The 29 data points collected included all members that are relevant to offside marking. The ball used in the games also had a sensor, which sent data to the video operating room 500 times per second, allowing for more accurate detection of the kick point.
By combining all items and applying artificial intelligence, the technology guaranteed an automated offside alert for whoever was operating the VAR.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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