Major Change in the Premier League
Major Change in the Premier League
SAOT Technology Set for Debut
Reducing the time needed for VAR analysis
The Premier League will introduce semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) starting on April 12, 2025, in matches for the 32nd round of the season.
How Does Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT) Work?
SAOT uses 30 cameras positioned around the stadium to track players’ positions, collecting over 10,000 data points per player.
This data allows for the quick generation of virtual offside lines and 3D graphics that will be displayed both on the stadium screens and in TV broadcasts, enhancing the viewing experience for fans.
Nine matches down, one more to go... 👀 pic.twitter.com/zj3vA1xB6X
— Premier League (@premierleague) April 3, 2025
SAOT Debut Match in the Premier League
The technology will be used for the first time in the match between Manchester City and Crystal Palace at Etihad Stadium on April 12, with three other games also taking place that day.
These include Leicester City vs. Brighton & Hove Albion, Everton FC vs. Nottingham Forest, and Aston Villa vs. Southampton FC
Benefits of SAOT Technology
The introduction of SAOT is expected to reduce the average VAR review time for offside decisions by approximately 30 seconds.
Additionally, the technology will provide more accurate offside lines and generate high-quality virtual graphics, improving the experience for fans both in the stadium and watching at home.
International Use of SAOT
SAOT has already been used successfully in major international tournaments such as the 2022 World Cup, Champions League, and European Championship.
It has also been implemented in several European leagues, including Serie A and La Liga, proving its effectiveness in making offside decisions.
Reactions and Expectations
Premier League officials and football experts have praised the introduction of SAOT, believing it will significantly improve the decision-making process and reduce controversy over offside calls.
The technology is also expected to provide greater transparency for fans, as graphics and explanations will be shown in real-time.
