Premier League clubs have unanimously approved the use of semi-automated offside technology from next season, and in theory could provide faster and more accurate solutions (with an emphasis on quicker) for such decisions. They should be able to provide a verdict.
Such technology is already being used at FIFA and UEFA level in the World Cup and Champions League respectively, with the Premier League set to start implementing the latter “after the autumn international break”. While UEFA uses a purely camera-based system (like Hawkeye, which tracks each player's 29 points, or goal-line technology), FIFA's system also utilizes chips in the ball. . Either way, decisions will be made more quickly because the system no longer relies on humans to draw the line (though humans will still be there as a backup, just in case).
It's not clear whether some of the tolerances will be adjusted so that the player is level and can recognize and account for the margin of error when it comes to broadcast framerates, but in any case, this will be done in the future. It's a solid step towards that. (One day, all binary decisions will be automated, leaving only subjective judgments to humans.)
“At today's Premier League general meeting, clubs unanimously agreed to introduce semi-automatic offside technology.
“The new system will be used for the first time in the Premier League next season, with the technology expected to be ready for implementation after the autumn international break.
“This technology places virtual offside lines more quickly and consistently based on optical player tracking and produces high-quality broadcast graphics to ensure an improved in-stadium and broadcast experience for supporters. ”
-Premier League Statement
