Why the Premier League is attempting to change the VAR rules as the Arsenal vs. Liverpool issue arises
Liverpool’s loss to Arsenal on Sunday highlighted this issue after a possible offside against Bukayo Saka in the Gunners’ first goal was not properly checked due to a technical error. News of this development has left many fans wondering how such scenarios could play out in the world’s most prestigious league, but change could be on the way to end constant confusion.
Why the Premier League is attempting to change the VAR rules as the Arsenal vs. Liverpool issue arises
The Premier League plans to implement Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT) next season after seeing its success in the Champions League. This system uses “tracking technology” to make instant offsides decisions, instead of drawing lines to determine if a player is behind the defensive line.
The 20 top clubs are expected to vote on the semi-automated system after the World Cup, which will use it in Qatar.
Offside calls, like the one involving Saka, are currently based on broadcast TV camera footage. If this is approved for use in the Premier League, additional cameras will need to be installed. Separate cameras under the stadium’s roof would monitor the ball and players using AI. When a player goes offside, the VAR is immediately notified.
The official World Cup ball will have a sensor that sends data 500 times per second to antennas inside the stadium. This improves on the current method of analyzing camera footage to determine when a player was played through on goal.
SAOT is hoped to remove the subjectivity of some incidents and speed up verdicts. If implemented, the system aims to deliver the highest level of accuracy, removing any doubts that are often attached to decisions made under the current regime. 3D animations would be broadcast to stadium fans on giant screens, pinpointing the offside player’s position.
Former FIFA-listed and Serie A referee Pierluigi Collina told ESPN: “Accuracy is important because being more accurate is good. Psychological time, I think. We wanted to offer a quicker answer because we felt it was needed. Football is different [from other sports], so making faster decisions was important.
Semi-Automated Offside Technology provides accurate evidence of a player’s offside or onside status. This technology deserves praise.