Latest news with #ProfessionalGameMatchOfficialsLtd
Al-Ahram Weekly
01-04-2025
- Sport
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Premier League to use semi-automated offside technology this season - World
The Premier League will use semi-automated offside technology for the first time in matches starting from April 12. The system made its debut in English football in seven of the eight FA Cup fifth round ties in March. Following additional non-live testing in the Premier League, the technology has now been cleared for use in the top-flight. Semi-automated offside technology is designed to improve the accuracy of tight offside calls by making parts of the process automatic. Virtual offside lines and graphics will be used, alongside optical player tracking for those watching at home or in a stadium. VAR officials check the system has followed the process correctly before confirming the decision to the referee, who then informs the players. The technology was first used at the elite level in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and has also featured in the Champions League, Serie A and La Liga. "Semi-automated offside technology automates key elements of the offside decision-making process to support the video assistant referee (VAR)," a Premier League statement said: "It provides more efficient placement of the virtual offside line, using optical player tracking, and generates virtual graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for fans. "The technology maintains the integrity of the process while enhancing the speed, efficiency, and consistency of offside decision-making." Using 30 cameras around a stadium, the technology is set to be used in close offside decisions and will help confirm or suggest a change to the on-field decision made by the referee. The Premier League has worked with Professional Game Match Officials Ltd and Genius Sports to develop the technology. It will debut in the Premier League when Manchester City host Crystal Palace in the early kick-off on April 12, with other fixtures that day including Arsenal's home game against Brentford. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
The Independent
01-04-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Premier League to introduce semi-automated offside technology this season
Semi-automated offside technology will be introduced in Premier League matches from April 12, the league has announced. The technology, which was originally intended to be introduced after one of the autumn international breaks in October or November, eventually made its debut in English football in seven of the eight fifth-round FA Cup ties at the start of March. Following additional non-live testing in the Premier League, SAOT will now be used for the first time in the top flight, using virtual offside lines and graphics along with optical player tracking for those watching at home or in a stadium. A Premier League statement said: 'Semi-automated offside technology automates key elements of the offside decision-making process to support the video assistant referee (VAR). 'It provides more efficient placement of the virtual offside line, using optical player tracking, and generates virtual graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for fans. 'The technology maintains the integrity of the process while enhancing the speed, efficiency, and consistency of offside decision-making.' Using 30 cameras around a stadium, the technology is set to be used in close offside decisions and, like VAR, will help confirm or suggest a change to the on-field decision made by the referee. The Premier League has worked with Professional Game Match Officials Ltd and Genius Sports to develop the technology. Speaking in February, Premier League chief football officer Tony Scholes said the system was 'the most accurate and the most future-proof' available. It will debut at the Etihad Stadium on April 12, when Manchester City host Crystal Palace in the early kick-off, with three more fixtures set to follow at 3pm. The day's action concludes with Arsenal's clash against Brentford at the Emirates in the teatime fixture.
The Independent
01-04-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Premier League to introduce semi-automated offside technology from April 12
Semi-automated offside technology will be introduced in Premier League matches from April 12, the league has announced. The technology, which was originally intended to be introduced after one of the autumn international breaks in October or November, eventually made its debut in English football in seven of the eight fifth-round FA Cup ties at the start of March. Following additional non-live testing in the Premier League, SAOT will now be used for the first time in the top flight, using virtual offside lines and graphics along with optical player tracking for those watching at home or in a stadium. A Premier League statement said: 'Semi-automated offside technology automates key elements of the offside decision-making process to support the video assistant referee (VAR). 'It provides more efficient placement of the virtual offside line, using optical player tracking, and generates virtual graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for fans. 'The technology maintains the integrity of the process while enhancing the speed, efficiency, and consistency of offside decision-making.' Using 30 cameras around a stadium, the technology is set to be used in close offside decisions and, like VAR, will help confirm or suggest a change to the on-field decision made by the referee. The Premier League has worked with Professional Game Match Officials Ltd and Genius Sports to develop the technology. Speaking in February, Premier League chief football officer Tony Scholes said the system was 'the most accurate and the most future-proof' available. It will debut at the Etihad Stadium on April 12, when Manchester City host Crystal Palace in the early kick-off, with three more fixtures set to follow at 3pm. The day's action concludes with Arsenal's clash against Brentford at the Emirates in the teatime fixture.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
EFL assistant referee, 46, charged with child sex offence
An assistant referee for the English Football League has been charged with a child sex offence. Gareth Viccars will appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on March 7 where a plea will be entered regarding one charge of penetrative sexual activity with a girl, aged 13-15. Viccars, 46, who has officiated in the EFL, and both the FA Cup and EFL Cup, since 2018, was suspended in August following the launch of a police investigation into the accusations against him. He appeared at Willesden Magistrates Court last week and has been remanded in custody. A spokesperson for Professional Game Match Officials Ltd, said: 'As soon as the allegations came to light, Mr Viccars was immediately suspended. 'As the matter is the subject of an ongoing police investigation, we are not in a position to comment any further.' According to his profile on Viccars' most recent game was AFC Wimbledon's League Two match against Grimsby Town on March 5 last year. Prior to becoming an official in the EFL, he officiated for almost three years in the Premier League 2 competition, which takes place between clubs' Under-21 teams. While pursuing a career as an assistant referee, Viccars also worked as an office manager for an estate agent, having previously set up an IT company. The Football Association has been approached for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
18-02-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
EFL assistant referee, 46, charged with child sex offence
An assistant referee for the English Football League has been charged with a child sex offence. Gareth Viccars will appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on March 7 where a plea will be entered regarding one charge of penetrative sexual activity with a girl, aged 13-15. Viccars, 46, who has officiated in the EFL, and both the FA Cup and EFL Cup, since 2018, was suspended in August following the launch of a police investigation into the accusations against him. He appeared at Willesden Magistrates Court last week and has been remanded in custody. A spokesperson for Professional Game Match Officials Ltd, said: 'As soon as the allegations came to light, Mr Viccars was immediately suspended. 'As the matter is the subject of an ongoing police investigation, we are not in a position to comment any further.' According to his profile on Viccars' most recent game was AFC Wimbledon's League Two match against Grimsby Town on March 5 last year. Prior to becoming an official in the EFL, he officiated for almost three years in the Premier League 2 competition, which takes place between clubs' Under-21 teams. While pursuing a career as an assistant referee, Viccars also worked as an office manager for an estate agent, having previously set up an IT company.
