Semi-automatic offside technology ‘could be introduced next season’ with football authorities ‘in talks over serious changes to VAR system’ after anger grows from clubs and fans

Semi-automatic offside technology (SOAT) could reportedly be introduced next season as football lawmakers discuss an overhaul of the way VAR works.

Premier League clubs voted against SOAT in June despite success at the Qatar World Cup and the Europa Conference League final, but decisions this year have provided compelling reasons for a possible change of heart.

The technology uses artificial intelligence to track players’ limbs and notify the video assistant referee almost immediately if they are offside.

According to The Telegraphthe International Football Association Board (IFAB) has started discussions about what major changes could be made to the VAR system.

VAR was introduced to the Premier League in August 2019, with chief Neil Swarbrick saying it could take seven years to get used to the technology, but more than four years later the football world is becoming uneasy.

VAR controversies haunt the Premier League on a weekly basis, but changes could take a long time to implement

The League Managers Association is lobbying for major changes to the way VAR is managed

The League Managers Association this week demanded major changes to the way VAR is managed.

Those demands include an urgent review of what constitutes a ‘clear and obvious’ error, as well as the allocation of a video assistant to permanent referee teams of five to improve communication on match days.

A communication error cost Liverpool a goal and a point in September when Luis Diaz’s strike was disallowed in their 2-1 defeat to Spurs – after VAR official Darren England mistakenly thought the goal had been awarded and told the referee he was at the line had to remain. field decision.

Consultations have begun with UEFA and other confederations, followed by discussions with the Premier League.

However, the Telegraph notes that most of the proposed changes would not be introduced in time for next season.

VAR controversies have erupted with volcanic force in recent weeks.

A communication error robbed Luis Diaz of a crucial goal against Tottenham in September

Mikel Arteta was furious that Anthony Gordon’s goal against Arsenal was allowed to stand

Gary O’Neil has met with referees chief Howard Webb after a series of unfavorable decisions

Jay Rodriguez was disappointed when his goal against Bournemouth was disallowed after five minutes of scrutiny

Mikel Arteta criticized the referees after Anthony Gordon’s goal was allowed to stand in Newcastle’s 1-0 win over the Gunners, asking ‘how on earth did this goal stand?’ after three separate VAR checks.

Wolves boss Gary O’Neil held talks with referees chief Howard Webb and called for the ‘clear and obvious’ rule to be scrapped after being on the tough end of four controversial calls this season.

Meanwhile, Burnley fell victim to the longest ever VAR check in Premier League history when Jay Rodriguez’s late equalizer was ruled offside, then onside and then offside again against Bournemouth in October.

It took the officials five minutes to determine whether or not Rodriguez had strayed offside and fans became frustrated at how long the checks were taking.