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.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly growing concerned that Ruben Amorim might walk away from Manchester United.
After Erik ten Hag’s dismissal in October 2024 following a 2-1 loss to West Ham, United moved swiftly to bring in Amorim on the back of his success at Sporting CP.
Yet translating his tactics at Old Trafford has proven challenging, with the Red Devils languishing in 16th place in the Premier League.
Despite domestic struggles, United have excelled in Europe and stand one win away from securing Champions League football by beating Tottenham Hotspur in Wednesday’s Europa League final.
Amorim himself hinted at the possibility of an early exit if results don’t improve, saying, “It’s a decisive moment in the history of the club. We need to be really strong in the summer and to be brave because we will not have a next season like this. If we start like this, if the feeling is still here, we should give the space to different people.”
According to The Sun, Ratcliffe—United’s minority owner and INEOS chairman—“remains concerned” that Amorim may decide “enough is enough after a campaign of chaos.”
The report suggests Ratcliffe views the 40-year-old Portuguese as somewhat of a “loose cannon” and wants reassurance that Amorim will honour the final two years of his contract rather than depart and leave the club in disarray.
Ahead of the crucial final, Amorim appeared undeterred, insisting on his belief in the squad’s readiness. “I am really confident. I feel that my players are ready for this game. They know what it means, not just for us but for our fans and for the club.
After this season, we are ready to fight for the one thing that can help us remember this season in a different way.
So I am really confident.” With both Ratcliffe’s concerns and Amorim’s resolve laid bare, all eyes will be on Wembley to see whether the Europa League final serves as a turning point for United’s tumultuous season.
Football
Ex Arsenal star Lacazette’s home burgled while playing final game for Lyon with cash and jewellery stolen
Alexandre Lacazette’s home was targeted by burglars while he was on the pitch for Lyon last night, according to French outlet Le Progrès.
The 33‑year‑old, playing his 391st and final match for his boyhood club, was facing Angers at Groupama Stadium when two intruders are reported to have broken into his residence in Lyon’s fifth arrondissement around 9.30 pm local time.
Once inside, they accessed a safe and made off with jewellery, luxury leather goods and cash, with the stolen haul “claimed to be tens of thousands of pounds.”
Security cameras captured the suspects, and police launched an investigation after the burglary was officially reported at 1.30 am.
Lacazette rose through Lyon’s youth system before joining Arsenal in 2017, then returned to France in 2022.
Manager Paulo Fonseca recently confirmed that Lacazette will depart when his contract expires this summer, as Lyon look to balance the books amid financial concerns.
In recognition of his service, supporters unveiled a giant tifo before kick‑off, and Lacazette honored them by scoring both goals in a 2-0 victory over Angers—his 200th and 201st for the club—securing a sixth‑place finish.
He joins several teammates who have suffered similar crimes in recent seasons, including Georges Mikautadze, who was robbed at gunpoint last December, and Dejan Lovren, who faced an attempted break‑in in October 2023.
Football
Inside Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool ‘leaving party’ as Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk attend
Liverpool recently held a summer celebration to honor Trent Alexander-Arnold as he prepares to leave Anfield after the 2024-25 season. The 26-year-old fullback, who has been with the club since he was just six, confirmed his departure earlier this month.
Despite spending two decades with Liverpool and making over 350 appearances, the news has divided fans—some even booed him during the recent 2-2 draw against Arsenal.
The event, which appeared to take place at Liverpool’s training base in Kirkby, featured teammates, family, and festive touches including food vendors, games, and a “Summer of 66” theme—referencing Alexander-Arnold’s shirt number.
TikTok user Nevada Linton shared footage from the event with a heartfelt message encouraging the defender to chase his dreams.
Key players including Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota, and Luiz Diaz were spotted enjoying the gathering.
The party served as an internal gesture of appreciation despite the tension from parts of the fanbase.
Throughout the season, Liverpool pushed to secure contract extensions for Alexander-Arnold, Salah, and Van Dijk. While the latter two signed new deals, Alexander-Arnold opted to move on, with Real Madrid widely expected to be his next destination.
His farewell statement emphasized how difficult the decision had been, citing the need to step outside his comfort zone for new personal and professional challenges.
The backlash from some supporters has sparked reactions from fellow players. Salah voiced disappointment over the treatment Alexander-Arnold received, saying fans should recognize the defender’s loyalty and contributions over the years.
Van Dijk echoed the sentiment, stating that the team aims to win their final matches and celebrate together, including honoring Alexander-Arnold’s legacy.
Liverpool’s final fixtures of the season include a clash with Brighton and a home finale against Crystal Palace at Anfield, where the hope remains for a more appreciative farewell from the stands.
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