Premier League clubs vote for major rule change with it set to be introduced next season
PREMIER LEAGUE clubs have voted in the use of semi-automated offsides.
The new technology will be introduced next season.
However, it may not be ready across the board from the beginning of the campaign.
And that could see it brought in either in September or November.
The technology should help provide even more accuracy for offside calls.
Crucially, it should also speed up decisions which will undoubtedly please fans, players and even broadcasters alike.
A Premier League statement said: “At a Premier League Shareholders’ meeting today, clubs unanimously agreed to the introduction of Semi-Automated Offside Technology.
“The new system will be used for the first time in the Premier League next season, and it is anticipated the technology will be ready to be introduced after one of the Autumn international breaks.
“The technology will provide quicker and consistent placement of the virtual offside line, based on optical player tracking, and will produce high-quality broadcast graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for supporters.”
The semi-automated offsides were used at the 2022 World Cup and are already in operation for Serie A in Italy.
However, the Premier League voted against its introduction in England’s top flight last June.
The tech uses “limb-tracking” cameras along with a chip in the football to get the right decisions.
Computer-generated 3D clips illustrate offside decisions, giving fans watching an immediate visual portrayal.
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