Technology that automatically detects if a player has been offside is expected to be available at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. This technology could also be available in the Premier League in 2023.
Hawk-Eye systems uses cameras to track the movements of the ball and players to determine if a player’s offside or onside when a pass has been made.
It will initially function as a semiautomated system that sends a message the the video assistant referees (VAR) which then decides if the offside was interfering in play.
After the development of new technology, offside decisions could be automated
The technology could eventually mean that officials on the pitch can be instantly notified if a player has been offside.
Hawk-Eye has been testing their technology in non-live settings at the stadiums Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Manchester City, which are the four Premier League Champions League representatives.
According to The Times, FIFA has been informed by the company that the technology is “ready to go” with just over a year until the World Cup.
FIFA must approve the use of the automated offside technology. This technology could also be featured at the February FIFA Club World Cup in Dubai, which will include Chelsea.
The Premier League’s chief referees are optimistic that the technology will be available by the start 2023-24 season.
VAR officials are a familiar sight in Premier League.
FIFA is believed prefer the semi-automated option. VAR officials are notified by the Hawk-Eye verdict then make their final judgment.
It would replace the controversial VAR ‘lines’ system used to determine if an attacker is onside.
However, it is possible for the on-field referee to inform the two linemen of the decision as soon as possible.
The system uses 12 cameras placed around the pitch, as well as artificial intelligence that monitors 29 points of each player’s body via a’skeletal-player-tracking’ system.
Computers can also track the ball’s movement and determine an offside call in real time within 0.5 seconds.
However, technology could make future decisions for you instead of officials.
Arsene Inger, FIFA’s chief for global football development, backed the automated offside technology earlier in the year.
He stated that the signal is automatically sent from the signal to the linesman. The linesman wears a red light on his watch that indicates whether he is offside or not.
“At the moment, the players are watching to see if they are onside or not.
“On average, we wait around 70 seconds. Sometimes, it takes one minute 20 seconds. Sometimes, it takes a little longer when the situation becomes very difficult to appreciate.
Arsene Wenger (FIFA’s Chief for Global Football Development) has expressed his admiration for the plan
“It’s so important because we see many celebrations being cancelled after that for marginal circumstances and that’s what makes it so important. That’s why I believe it’s a very important thing to do.
Wenger said two weeks ago that he was able to make quick offside decisions. It will also stop the game less, as that is what the VAR could be faulted for.