- EPL is updating its VAR system with Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT).
- SAOT uses AI to reduce offside review times by up to 31 seconds.
- The technology tracks 10,000 body points per player at 200 frames per second.
- AI and deep-learning algorithms, specifically Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), power SAOT.
- SAOT aims to improve decision accuracy and viewer experience.
- The technology is set to launch in October 2024, pending final approval.
- Despite ongoing criticism, fans may become more accepting of VAR with these enhancements.
Main AI News:
The English Premier League (EPL) is refining its Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system with new advancements this season. Introduced in 2019 to minimize incorrect decisions, especially offsides, VAR has faced ongoing criticism. Despite this, the EPL reports that the system has improved decision accuracy from 82% to 96%, with research backing up these claims. Last season, around 1,300 match events were reviewed using VAR.
One major criticism of VAR has been the lengthy review times. The EPL is introducing Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT), which employs artificial intelligence (AI) to speed up offside decisions. Already used in the 2022 Qatar World Cup and 2024 Euros, SAOT could reduce offside review times by up to 31 seconds, providing clearer visuals for viewers. Instead of manually placing lines, SAOT uses a virtual curtain to show the exact point where a player is offside.
The technology behind SAOT is powered by computer vision systems that track up to 10,000 surface body points per player, updating at 200 frames per second. These advancements are made possible by AI and deep-learning algorithms, particularly Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), which analyze images in layers to determine the spatial coordinates of players and the ball.
Before SAOT can be fully operational, it undergoes a rigorous “training” process. During this process, the AI learns from numerous examples to improve accuracy. Once trained, the system can make real-time predictions, crucial for live match applications.
As AI continues to push the boundaries of sports analytics, SAOT’s implementation in the EPL is a significant step forward. The league plans to roll out this technology in October 2024, subject to final approval. The EPL’s chief football officer, Tony Scholes, acknowledges that while VAR may never be flawless, SAOT could bring it closer to perfection, potentially winning over more fans.
Despite concerns about VAR’s impact on the fan experience and goal celebrations, many supporters are open to its use if improvements are made. At the end of the 2022–23 season, Wolverhampton Wanderers proposed scrapping VAR, but the motion was overwhelmingly rejected, with a 19–1 vote from other Premier League clubs.
Conclusion:
The introduction of Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT) in the English Premier League represents a significant shift in how technology is utilized in sports. This development reflects a broader trend of integrating advanced AI systems into live sporting events, enhancing the accuracy of decisions and the overall viewer experience. For the market, this could mean increased demand for AI-driven solutions in sports analytics, opening opportunities for tech companies specializing in computer vision and deep learning. As the EPL sets a precedent, other leagues and sports organizations may follow, further driving innovation and competition in the sports technology sector. This evolution could also improve fan engagement, as faster and more precise decision-making processes enhance the entertainment value of live broadcasts.
