New Delhi: The much-awaited semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) in the Premier League faces delay until at least the new year. The system is supposed to improve the performance of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), but it has still not been deemed ready to be used in the top tier of English football.
The chief refereeing officer of Professional Game Match Officials Ltd, Howard Webb, had originally hoped that the technology would be ready for use by this autumn, with the system set to be introduced after the international break in October. However, in a meeting with Club officials, the Premier League informed them that this was no longer the feasible time period for the implementation.
The delay is primarily because PGMOL wants to perform more testing of the technology, as they are still uncertain if it is ready to be used in the intense situations of a Premier League game. Until they are certain that the technology will improve the existing technology, the SAOT won’t be coming into effect in football.
The Premier League has decided to delay the introduction of semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) due to concerns about its readiness for implementation.
Officials believe SAOT is essential for improving the video assistant referee system, but further testing is needed… pic.twitter.com/1aByajG9Za
— The Story (@Herstory104) September 26, 2024
By promise, SAOT is supposed to reduce any offside VAR interventions by at least 30 seconds. PGMOL and Premier League had chosen to try a system developed by Genius Sports instead of Hawk-Eye, who provide goalline technology to top-tier football competitions. The clubs were also presented data by Premier League’s chief football officer, Tony Scholle, on how much efficiency VAR’s decision-providing timing and accuracy has improved this season.
Clubs were also prompted to improve their players’ on-field behaviours after a number of yellow cards were issued recently for unsporting actions. There was no talk about the adjudication that Manchester City had brought against the league rules regarding the Associated Party transactions. Rumours are that the decision has been reached, though the voting regarding the database by which APT deals are evaluated has been postponed for now.
City’s grievance was that APT rules restrict the club’s ability to be competitive by limiting sponsorship arrangements with companies with the same ownership as the UAE state-owned club. The rules were first implemented when Saudi took over Newcastle and tightened when the clubs voted in favour of the league proposal.
Premier League is most likely to delay the new VAR technology until the New year, after remaining uncertain on how well the system will work in match enviroment. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
