The Premier League is set to revolutionize its offside decision-making process this season with the introduction of cutting-edge technology, dubbed “the Dragon.” This innovative system utilizes 28 strategically positioned iPhones at each stadium to track up to 10,000 data points on each player’s body, a significant increase from the current 29.
The technology, developed by Genius Sports in collaboration with Second Spectrum, has been successfully tested in the NBA since 2018. It captures high-frame-rate video from multiple angles, allowing for precise tracking of player movements and instant analysis of offside situations.
The Dragon’s machine intelligence enables the iPhones to communicate with each other and process visual data simultaneously, providing rapid and accurate offside decisions. This technology is expected to significantly reduce the time taken to make offside calls, improving the overall flow of the game.
The Premier League is set to deploy 28 iPhones at each ground to sharpen offside decisions
Semi-automated technology will be assisted by technology capturing 100 frames per second
VAR offside decisions have proven controversial – whether through contentious calls or miscommunication by officials
The Dragon’s advanced tracking capabilities can detect minute details such as muscle mass, skeletal frame differences, and gait, providing an unprecedented level of accuracy in offside decisions. This technology is set to revolutionize the way offside calls are made, reducing controversy and improving the overall fan experience.
The Premier League has announced that fans will be kept up-to-date on officiating calls this season via an X account called @PLMatchCentre. CEO Richard Masters has acknowledged the need for improvement in the VAR process, citing the need to reduce delays and enhance the supporter experience.