Football’s loathsome offside rule is getting an automated upgrade

The English Premier League is giving offside calls a (semi) automated upgrade.

The new system revamps arguably the most controversial rule in sports.

First introduced back in 1863, the offside law prevents sneaky footballers from camping by the goal.

In its current iteration, the rule only applies to attackers in their enemy’s half. Once they enter that space, teammates can only pass to them when they’re behind at least two opposition players.

Sounds confusing? Well, allow me to clarify.

Players can be offside when any part of their body is beyond the defenders. Or maybe when there’s daylight between them. But sometimes, only when the attacker is “actively involved” in play. Got it? Good, me neither.

Officials have attempted to refine the rule, but offside calls still constantly enrage both footballers and fans.

The latest target of their ire is the video-assistant referee (VAR). Designed to review decisions made on the pitch, the system added a second offside check. Unfortunately, it also added new problems.

Not only did the decisions remain controversial, they were now also excruciatingly slow. The Premier League was sent back to the drawing board.

It returned today with a new solution: semi-automated offside technology (SAOT).

Automated offsides

SAOT applies optical tracking to footballers. When a player is offside, the software automatically draws lines on the footage to illustrate their position. Referees then check the film before making a decision.

By combining automation with human oversight, the system could enhance both accuracy and speed. At least, that’s the plan.

Attackers in the blue zone have entered an offside position. Credit: Genius Sports.

The Premier League will introduce SAOT next season, which kicks off on Friday. British tech firm Genius Sports has been recruited to design the system.

The company will install computer vision cameras in every Premier League stadium. According to Genius Sports, the software can generate full 3D renders of the players, ball, and offside area in “seconds.” Officials can then make a precise call.

Tony Scholes, the Premier League’s Chief Football Officer, expects the system to improve the flow of the game. He claims SAOT will enhance the experience for all participants — “including supporters.”

It’s a bold promise, but one that even perfect tech would struggle to fulfil. Because sometimes the only right decision is the one that benefits our team.