Football
What is semi-automated offside technology? Premier League debuts major VAR change
This weekend marks a significant change in the Premier League as semi-automated offside technology (SOAT) is officially introduced for the first time. The system is an evolution of the existing VAR technology, designed to improve both accuracy and speed when making offside decisions.
Fans and players alike have often voiced frustration over the time-consuming nature of VAR checks, and this innovation aims to reduce that by automating key elements of the process.
Semi-automated offside technology has already been tested on the global stage, having featured in the men’s and women’s World Cups in 2022 and 2023. It has also been used consistently in the UEFA Champions League since the start of the 2022/23 season.
In England, the FA Cup was the first domestic competition to trial SOAT earlier this year, and now the Premier League is set to implement the technology moving forward as part of its 2024/25 season upgrades.
The way SOAT works is straightforward yet technologically advanced. Traditionally, VAR officials manually draw lines to determine the positions of the attacker and defender involved in a potential offside.
They also identify the moment the ball was played, known as the “kick point.” With the introduction of SOAT, this process becomes largely automated.
The system instantly provides the key lines and the kick point to the VAR team, who then review the data and communicate their decision to the referee and, subsequently, to fans in the stadium and those watching from home.
One of the major advantages of SOAT is the reduction in time needed to complete offside checks. Estimates suggest the average time saved per decision could be up to 30 seconds.
While FIFA used sensors inside the ball to track its movement at the World Cup, Premier League matches will rely on high-frame-rate cameras installed in stadiums to pinpoint the ball’s position during play.
The road to implementation in the Premier League hasn’t been entirely smooth. The league approved the use of SOAT back in April, with an initial plan to roll it out following an international break last autumn. However, logistical and technical challenges delayed the launch.
Premier League chief football officer Tony Scholes recently reaffirmed the league’s confidence in the technology, calling it the most advanced and future-ready system available. He admitted to initial doubts due to earlier setbacks in the season, but praised the rapid progress made in recent months.

Despite these advancements, the FA Cup’s initial trial did highlight some potential complications. During one of the first matches using SOAT, a crowded penalty area rendered the technology temporarily ineffective.
VAR officials had to revert to manual review, resulting in a record-breaking eight-minute delay. That incident led to a reassessment of how the technology is integrated with existing systems to ensure smoother operation in the future.
With its full-scale debut in the Premier League now underway, the hope is that SOAT will provide more accurate decisions at a faster pace, reducing controversy and maintaining the flow of the game.
Football
FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.
As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.
Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.
In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.
Football
New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)
The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.
Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.
The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.
Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.
This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.
Football
Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job
Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.
The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.
According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.
His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.
Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.
Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.
United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.
De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.
The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.
Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.
“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.
“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.
“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”
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