English Premier League (EPL) has announced that it will begin using semi-automated offside technology in matches starting from April 12.
Gatekeepers News reports that this decision marks a significant milestone in the league’s efforts to enhance refereeing accuracy and improve the overall fan experience.
According to the EPL, the technology will be introduced from matchday 32, following successful “non-live testing” earlier in the season. The system has been developed in collaboration with PGMOL and Genius Sports, a sports data and technology company.
The semi-automated offside technology uses a virtual offside line based on optical player tracking. It also produces animation graphics to illustrate the decision, providing greater clarity for fans and players alike.
The introduction of semi-automated offside technology is a significant development for the EPL, which has been working towards this goal since April 2024.
The decision to adopt the technology was unanimous among all clubs at a Premier League Shareholders’ meeting.
The EPL follows in the footsteps of other top-level competitions, including the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the UEFA Champions League (UCL), La Liga, and Serie A, which have already successfully implemented the technology.
