Advertisement We need your help now Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open. You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough. If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it. One-off amount I already contribute Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you. An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more. Investigates Investigates Money Diaries Daft.ie Property Magazine Allianz Home Magazine The 42 Sports Magazine The Journal TV Climate Crisis Cost of Living Road Safety Newsletters Temperature Check Inside the Newsroom The Journal Investigates The Explainer A deep dive into one big news story Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion Advertisement More Stories Lengthy VAR checks for offside should become a thing of the past.Alamy Stock Photo Premier League to introduce semi-automated offside technology from next week The system, which has been used in the FA Cup, was originally intended to make its debut during the autumn. 6.18pm, 1 Apr 2025 Share options SEMI-AUTOMATED OFFSIDE TECHNOLOGY will be introduced in Premier League matches from 12 April, the league has announced. The technology, which was originally intended to be introduced after one of the autumn international breaks in October or November, eventually made its debut in English football in seven of the eight fifth-round FA Cup ties at the start of March. Following additional non-live testing in the Premier League, SAOT will now be used for the first time in the top flight, using virtual offside lines and graphics along with optical player tracking for those watching at home or in a stadium. A Premier League statement said: “Semi-automated offside technology automates key elements of the offside decision-making process to support the video assistant referee (VAR). “It provides more efficient placement of the virtual offside line, using optical player tracking, and generates virtual graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for fans. Advertisement “The technology maintains the integrity of the process while enhancing the speed, efficiency, and consistency of offside decision-making.” Using 30 cameras around a stadium, the technology is set to be used in close offside decisions and, like VAR, will help confirm or suggest a change to the on-field decision made by the referee. The Premier League has worked with Professional Game Match Officials Ltd and Genius Sports to develop the technology. Speaking in February, Premier League chief football officer Tony Scholes said the system was “the most accurate and the most future-proof” available. It will debut at the Etihad Stadium on 12 April, when Manchester City host Crystal Palace in the early kick-off, with three more fixtures set to follow at 3pm. The day’s action concludes with Arsenal’s clash against Brentford at the Emirates in the teatime fixture. Written by Press Association and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won’t find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women’s sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here. Viewcomments Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “Premier League to introduce semi-automated offside technology from next week”. Recipient's Email Feedback on “Premier League to introduce semi-automated offside technology from next week”. Your Feedback Your Email (optional) Report a Comment Please select the reason for reporting this comment. Please give full details of the problem with the comment... This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy before taking part. Leave a Comment Submit a report Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines. Damaging the good reputation of someone, slander, or libel. Racism or Hate speech An attack on an individual or group based on religion, race, gender, or beliefs. Trolling or Off-topic An attempt to derail the discussion. Inappropriate language Profanity, obscenity, vulgarity, or slurs. Advertising, phishing, scamming, bots, or repetitive posts. Please provide additional information Thank you for the feedback Your feedback has been sent to our team for review. Leave a commentcancel Newly created accounts can only comment using The Journal app. This is to add an extra layer of security to account creation. Download and sign into the app to continue. Access to the comments facility has been disabled for this user View our policy ⚠️ Duplicate comment Post Comment have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion Premier League News in 60 seconds Almost €2 million worth of tobacco products among Revenue seizures in recent days 12 mins ago Dublin District Court Woman who hit cyclist after drinking vodka in her car is banned from driving for five years 23 mins ago War in Ukraine Ukraine and Russia accuse each other of violating US-brokered deal by striking energy sites 38 mins ago Teenage girl allegedly sexually abused by older female cousin told her to stop 'lots of times', court hears 41 mins ago On the beat Here is why there has been a noticeable rise in gardaí on Dublin city centre streets US tariffs: What will happen on Trump's 'Liberation Day'? Deepa Dinamani Murder victim told man on dating site that marrying husband was biggest mistake of her life embezzlement trial Marine Le Pen attacks five-year ban from running for office as 'political decision' Irish companies helped Pfizer reduce corporate tax bill, claims US investigation Paul O'Donoghue Government plans property tax freeze for most homeowners and extension to energy bill VAT cut Crunch time US tariffs could halve Irish pharma exports over five years, Tánaiste warns more from us Investigates Daft.ie Property Magazine Allianz Home Magazine The 42 Sports Magazine Money Diaries The Journal TV Journal Media Advertise With Us About FactCheck Our Network FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition more from us TV Listings GAA Fixtures The Video Review Journal Media Advertise With Us Our Network The Journal FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition © 2025 Journal Media Ltd Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition Switch to Desktop Switch to Mobile The Journal supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at https://www.presscouncil.ie, PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1800 208 080 or email: mailto:info@presscouncil.ie Report an error, omission or problem: Your Email (optional) Create Email Alert Create an email alert based on the current article Email Address One email every morning As soon as new articles come online