Premier League announce drastic change to VAR that will impact Newcastle United next season

Premier League clubs have voted to introduce semi-automated offsides at the start of the 2024-25 campaign.

The technology is similar to that used in the Champions League and the recent Qatar World Cup. Serie A have already implemented the system and English clubs have voted to follow suit.

Referees will now rely upon camera footage and tracking software to calculate offsides, an area previously overseen by a VAR team. High-profile errors this season include Luis Diaz’s disallowed goal for Liverpool against Tottenham Hotspur in September.

The change, which has been welcomed by PGMOL chief and former top-flight referee Howard Webb, is estimated to chalk off 31 seconds of VAR deliberation. Proving a success at World Cup and Champions League level has triggered Premier League clubs to back the technology.

However, the Semi-Automated Offside Technology is not expected to be introduced until several months into the new campaign. A Premier League statement confirmed on Thursday that the system will be in place following one of the autumn international breaks.

“At a Premier League Shareholders’ meeting, clubs unanimously agreed to the introduction of Semi-Automated Offside Technology," an announcement read.

“The new system will be used for the first time in the Premier League next season and it is anticipated the technology will be ready to be introduced after one of the autumn international breaks.

“The technology will provide quicker and consistent placement of the virtual offside line, based on optical player tracking, and will produce high-quality broadcast graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for supporters.”