The Premier League will not introduce the semi-automated system until 2025 (Image: Getty Images)
The perplexing postponement of the Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT) in the is set to be prolonged until 2025. The 2022 and , along with other and UEFA competitions over the past few years, have utilised a SAOT system for more precise and notably quicker offside decisions.
However, the has yet to implement this technology, and club bosses were informed on Thursday about another delay in its introduction. A vote approving its use was passed in April, with a start date of mid-October initially planned.
It was anticipated that the system could be operational at venues after next month’s international break, potentially reducing decision-making time for tight offsides by over half a minute.
However, a meeting of shareholders in London revealed that the development would not be ready until later in the year, at the earliest as more testing was required.
A more probable start date is 2025. While chief executives and other club representatives were informed that further testing was required to ensure SAOT was prepared for the demands of the , they were reassured that VAR is improving.
The new semi automated offside technology launches tonight in the Champions League games. (Image: BBC.)
Tony Scholes, the ‘s chief football officer, presented a claim that the efficiency of VAR decision-making has improved. Clubs were also reminded of their responsibility for player behaviour following several recent games being tarnished by a flurry of yellow cards.
There was no conversation regarding the hearing into the 115 charges against , nor any negative response to the news that the had been compelled to shell out £45million on legal costs in its efforts to enforce financial regulations.