What is a semi-automatic offside and will it be used in the Champions League?

TECHNOLOGY has become a key component in the world of football.

One example of this is the semi-automatic offside tool – but what is it and has it been used in the Champions League? Here’s everything you need to know.

Referees can now get assistance from the semi-automatic VAR tool

What is a semi-automatic offside?

Semi-automated offside technology is a support tool for the video match officials and on-field officials.

According to FIFA, it helps them make ‘’faster, more reproducible, and more accurate offside decisions’’.

Semi-automated offside technology uses 12 tracking cameras mounted underneath the roof of the stadium to track the ball and up to 29 data points of each individual player – calculating their exact position on the pitch, plus a chip in the ball to determine if it was played by a defender or attacker.

So in the case of an offside situation, the video operations room will receive an automated alert alongside an automatic selected point and an instant drawn lines within seconds of the incident.

Match officials will then have to validate the proposed selected kick point and the drawn offside line before VAR communicates the final decision on the pitch.

Extra VAR officials will be in charge of calling offsides with the algorithm providing a 3D animation to explain a call in an average of 25 seconds.

That illustration is then available on the giant screens within the stadium for TV viewers to take a look at in the next stoppage of play.

However, complex incidents or multiple incidents that occur at the same time can require a more thorough review of the situation.

And in the event that semi-automated offside technology does not work correctly, the video match officials can still use other well-known offside support tools.

Has it been used in the Champions League?

In August 2022, UEFA announced that it would be deploying the technology in the Champions League.

The announcement revealed that it would be deployed in the Super Cup between Real Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt and then in the Champions League once it returned.

After two-plus years of offline trials with FIFA and UEFA competitions, semi-automated offside technology made its debut in the Champions League.

The competition has since seen the technology used by top officials.

One example of the technology being put to use in the Champions League was in 2022 – when a goal was ruled out after FC Copenhagen’s Rasmus Falk was deemed to have strayed offside against Borussia Dortmund in their group-stage clash.

Where else has it been used?

The technology has been successfully trialed at a number of test events and live at FIFA tournaments.

These included the FIFA Arab Cup in 2021 and the FIFA Club World Cup that same year.

It was also in use at the 2022 World Cup on multiple occasions.

The 3D animation was deployed in the first match between hosts Qatar and Ecuador.

What has been said about Semi-automatic offside?

FIFA’s head of refereeing previously mentioned said: “There is a talk of robot referees, it looks good but it’s not true. On-field referees will continue to be decisive.

“Semi-automatic offside will only be used when a player who is offside touches the ball. If there is interference in play, it will be the referee’s decision.”

UEFA’s refereeing chief Roberto Rosetti also had a say and he believes that the semi-automated offside technology will be beneficial to the match officials, players, and fans.

Rosetti said: “We are constantly looking for new technological solutions to improve the game and support the work of the referees. 

“This innovative system will allow VAR teams to determine offside situations quickly and more accurately, enhancing the flow of the game and the consistency of the decisions.’’