Premier League clubs have unanimously voted in favour of the use of semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) for the 2024-25 season.

SAOT was first seen in use at the Qatar World Cup in 2022 and was widely viewed as an effective advancement in refereeing technology.

In the Premier League’s official statement they said:

“The technology will provide quicker and consistent placement of the virtual offside line, based on optical player tracking, and will produce high-quality broadcast graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for supporters”

Premier League clubs have unanimously agreed to the introduction of Semi-Automated Offside Technology from next season

It will provide quicker placement of the virtual offside line and high-quality graphics to ensure an enhanced broadcast and stadium experience

— Premier League (@premierleague) April 11, 2024

It is expected that SAOT will reduce the time spent checking offsides by 31 seconds on average.

The in-stadium graphics will ensure that match-going fans can understand what is happening in the game more clearly going forward, as long as they have a screen which isn’t the case at Old Trafford or Anfield.

The Premier League has said they are expected to have put these changes in place by the end of the autumn internationals, meaning the first 3-5 game weeks will be with the current system.