tech360.tv
Apr 152 min
In an effort to streamline decision-making and reduce the time it takes for officials to make offside calls, the Premier League has announced that it will be using AI-based player tracking technology from next season. The introduction of this semi-automated offside technology has been unanimously agreed upon by England's top-division clubs.
The new system, set to be launched during the first half of the season, will utilize optical player tracking to provide quicker and more consistent placement of the virtual offside line. This technology will also enhance the in-stadium and broadcast experience for supporters by producing high-quality graphics.
While semi-automated offside technology was previously used at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Premier League will not be employing the same sensor-based approach. Instead, it is expected to align more closely with the system used by UEFA in the Champions League.
Further details regarding the exact nature of the offside technology to be used will be announced by the Premier League once contracts are signed. Extensive testing and analysis have already been conducted throughout the current season.
Italy's Serie A has already implemented semi-automated offside technology, where multiple cameras track player movements and record relevant data points on body parts. This data is then processed using artificial intelligence to create a 3D offside line that is communicated to the team of VAR officials.
The implementation of this technology is expected to significantly reduce the time it takes for VAR officials to make a decision manually, with an average time savings of around 30 seconds. This improvement aims to enhance confidence in decision-making, especially after some high-profile mistakes in the past.
Despite the introduction of semi-automated offside technology, the manual system will still be available as a backup in case of any failures or technical issues with the new technology.
Premier League to use AI-based player tracking technology for offside calls
Semi-automated offside technology to be launched in the first half of the season
Improved consistency and quicker decision-making expected
Source: AP NEWS