Premier League teams have decided to implement Semi-Automated Offside Technology starting from the 2024-25 season.

The Premier League has announced that it will be implementing Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SOAT) starting from next season. However, the system will not be ready for the beginning of the campaign.

During a shareholders meeting, all clubs unanimously agreed to introduce the technology, which is already being used in the UEFA Champions League and Serie A. The organisers anticipate that the system will be in place after one of the international breaks in September, October, or November.

SOAT has proven to be successful in previous deployments, including the men’s and women’s World Cups in recent years. The results are usually delivered swiftly. The technology has been particularly effective in determining crucial moments in matches, such as goals, incidents leading to red cards, or penalties. Assistant referees will still raise their flags as part of the officiating process.

The Premier League has not yet disclosed the specific type of system it will employ, as some involve chips inside footballs while others rely on multiple cameras positioned around the stadium. The decisions made using the technology will be displayed on big screens inside the grounds.

A Premier League statement confirmed the introduction of SOAT, stating, “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 implementation of SOAT marks the first major technological advancement in the Premier League since the introduction of VAR at the start of the 2019-20 season. There have been calls for the use of offside technology in recent years, particularly after a significant human error led to Liverpool’s Luiz Diaz having a goal incorrectly ruled out for offside against Tottenham in September.