2. What is Offside
Rule?
In football, a player is considered
offside if they are closer to the
opponent's goal than both the ball
and the second-to-last defender
when the ball is passed to them.
However, they are not offside if
they are in their own half of the
field or on the same line as the
second-to-last defender.
3. What is Semi-Automated
Offside Technology?
• Semi-automated offside technology is a
support tool for the video match officials
and the on-field officials to help them
make faster, more reproducible and
more accurate offside decisions
• It combines technology with human
judgment to provide a streamlined and
reproducible analysis of offside
situations.
4. Why Semi-Automated
Offside Technology?
• Semi-automated offside technology improves
the accuracy of offside decisions, utilizing
advanced sensors to reduce errors and ensure
consistent calls.
• The implementation of semi-automated offside
technology improves the overall fairness of the
game by addressing various controversies
linked to offside calls.
• Semi-automated offside technology enhances
decision-making process by providing quick
and accurate analyses of offside situations,
offering valuable support to match officials
5. How it works?
Decision Communication: After validation, a 3D animation based on
the positional data points is generated and shown in the stadium and
to broadcast partners.
Validation: After the data has been processed, the Video Assistant
Referee (VAR) manually validate the proposed decision.
Data Processing: After collecting the data, it combines and processes
the tracked data using artificial intelligence to provide an automated
offside alert.
Data Collection: This technology uses 12 cameras and a sensor in the
ball to track players and the ball.
6. Challenges and
Limitations
3D Space Representation: It’s challenging to
accurately show actual 3D space on a 2D
image. This could potentially lead to
misinterpretations of the offside line and the
players’ positions.
Delay in VAR’s Role: The job of VAR only
begins a little after the event has
occurred. This could potentially lead to
delays in making offside decisions.
Dependence on Technology: The system
relies heavily on technology, which
means it could be susceptible to
technical glitches or failures.
7. When was it
implemented?
• This technology was first implemented in the
first game of “2021 FIFA Arab Cup” on 30th
November 2023.
• After its massive success, It was also
implemented at “FIFA Club World Cup 2022”
where the semi-automated offside technology
continued to demonstrate its effectiveness in
supporting video match officials.
• After the world cup, this technology was used in
UEFA Champions League, Serie A (becoming
the first domestic league to use this technology).
And La Liga is set to begin using the technology
from the upcoming season.
8.
9. Conclusion
• In conclusion, the implementation of semi-automated
offside technology in football has the potential to
revolutionize the game.
• It will provide accurate and fair offside decisions, leading
to a more transparent and enjoyable experience for
players and fans.
• However, there are challenges that need to be addressed,
such as technical limitations and resistance from
traditionalists. It is crucial to find a balance between
embracing innovation and preserving the integrity of the
sport.
