For the first time in Premier League history, semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) was used during a live match, making its debut in Manchester City’s clash with Crystal Palace on Saturday, April 12.

The much-anticipated introduction of SAOT came in gameweek 32, following a unanimous vote by Premier League clubs last April to adopt the system to aid with tight offside decisions. After successful testing during FA Cup fixtures and in non-live Premier League trials, SAOT officially launched in Saturday’s early kick-off at the Etihad Stadium.

A statement released by the Premier League on Friday confirmed the technology’s rollout:

“SAOT automates key elements of the offside decision-making process for the VAR and will be used in close offside calls. SAOT will support to either confirm the referee’s on-field decision or recommend a change. The technology helps enhance the speed, efficiency, and consistency of offside decision-making.”

First Use Comes Within Minutes

It didn’t take long for the new system to be called into action. Crystal Palace opened the scoring in the ninth minute through Eberechi Eze, but the goal was contested by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who argued that Ismaila Sarr may have been offside in the build-up.

After a brief review, the goal stood—marking the first time SAOT had been used in a Premier League match. Despite Guardiola’s protests, the technology concluded that no offside offense had occurred.

Mixed Reactions from Fans

Fans quickly took to social media to react, with many praising the speed of the decision-making, a marked improvement over the often-lengthy VAR offside checks of the past.

“Tight offside checked within 10 seconds instead of 5 minutes—football might be back,” one fan posted.
Another added: “You see how quick and efficient semi-automated offside calls are? It’s about time semi-automated offside has been brought in, instead of them drawing lines.”

Others, however, called for more transparency, noting the absence of visual confirmation during the broadcast.

“I’m all for the semi-automated offside technology, but they actually need to show the decisions. First Palace goal was 25 minutes ago and still no sign of the decision graphics,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

How the Technology Works

According to the Premier League, the system uses up to 30 specialized cameras mounted around each stadium, capturing player and ball movements at 100 frames per second—double the rate of standard broadcast cameras.

Each player is tracked using up to 10,000 data points mapped to a 3D “mesh” model. This allows the system to precisely determine the position of players’ limbs relative to the ball at the moment of a pass. Any potential offside is automatically flagged to the VAR, who then reviews the data alongside an SAOT operator.

Why It’s Only Semi-Automated

Despite the name, SAOT isn’t entirely hands-off. Final decisions still require human input. The VAR must confirm key moments such as the exact “kick-point” and whether players are correctly identified. In subjective cases—such as whether a player in an offside position interfered with play or gained an advantage—an on-field review may still be needed.

The Premier League emphasized that SAOT is designed to assist, not replace, match officials.

What Comes Next?

Saturday’s debut marks a significant milestone in the evolution of officiating in English football, as the league continues its drive to improve the accuracy and efficiency of VAR decisions. If the early responses are any indication, semi-automated offside could usher in a new era of quicker, more consistent officiating—provided broadcasters also deliver the visuals fans expect to see.

As the season nears its conclusion and stakes rise, SAOT will be under increasing scrutiny to deliver what fans, managers, and players have long demanded: speed, clarity, and fairness.