This move marks a significant shift in how offside decisions will be handled in one of the world’s most-watched football leagues, promising to streamline the controversial Video Assistant Referee (VAR) process that has long frustrated players, managers, and supporters alike.
The decision follows months of speculation, testing, and delays. Initially approved unanimously by Premier League clubs in April 2024, the technology was slated for an autumn rollout after one of the international breaks. However, setbacks in testing pushed the timeline back, with league officials opting for additional trials to ensure reliability. Non-live testing occurred throughout the Premier League season, while the FA Cup provided a live operational stage earlier in 2025, proving the system’s potential. Now, with confidence in its accuracy solidified, the league is ready to deploy SAOT across all top-flight matches.
So, what does this mean for the game? The semi-automated system, developed in collaboration with Genius Sports, utilizes advanced optical tracking via multiple high-speed cameras installed in stadiums. These cameras monitor the ball and up to 29 data points on each player, automating the placement of the virtual offside line—a process previously done manually by VAR officials. The result? Decisions are expected to be made over 30 seconds faster on average, reducing the agonizing waits that have marred key moments in matches. High-quality 3D graphics will also be generated instantly, enhancing the experience for fans in stadiums and at home by displaying clear visuals of offside calls on big screens and broadcasts.
The technology doesn’t eliminate human oversight entirely—VAR officials will still validate the automated alerts, ensuring accuracy in complex scenarios like crowded goalmouths or subjective interference calls. This hybrid approach aims to balance efficiency with precision, addressing past criticisms of VAR’s sluggishness and perceived errors, such as the infamous Luis Diaz offside blunder at Tottenham in 2023.
For fans, the introduction of SAOT mid-season raises questions of fairness, as nearly two-thirds of the campaign will have been played under the old system. Yet, Premier League Chief Football Officer Tony Scholes has defended the timing, arguing that the efficiency gains outweigh any competitive concerns, provided the system is fully reliable by launch. “We’re not changing the integrity of the offside law, just making it faster,” Scholes emphasized in a recent statement.
The move brings the Premier League in line with other major competitions like the Champions League, Serie A, and the 2022 World Cup, where SAOT has already proven its worth. As Match Round 32 approaches, anticipation is building—will this technology finally silence the VAR doubters, or will it unearth new controversies? One thing is certain: football’s technological evolution is charging ahead, and the Premier League is ready to embrace it.
