A Stamford Bridge Too Far
·28 October 2021
A Stamford Bridge Too Far
·28 October 2021
According to The Times (Subscription Required) [h/t Football.London], new technology in football, Hawk-Eye, is ready to be in action as support to VAR for offside calls with Chelsea potentially among the first few teams that may have it implemented in their games.
Video Assistant Referees or VAR technology was first introduced in the Premier League in 2019 and it has been a subject of conflict ever since its implementation. Offside calls were one of the most controversial subjects surrounding its usage.
The technology is said to be able to make instantaneous offside calls meaning the efficiency will be increased a lot. The technology is currently being trialled in matches involving The Blues, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City.
Chelsea could be one of the first teams to be tried on the Hawk-Eye alongside VAR
“Automated offside systems use camera and computer technology to track players’ movements as well as the ball and insiders say it should be more accurate than the VAR offsides.”
Thomas Tuchel and his side could be one of the first to experience Hawk-Eye should FIFA approve it before the Club World Cup. Hawk-Eye is also said to have told FIFA that their technology would be ready for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
However, it is suggested that the technology could only be ready for the Premier League in the 2023-24 season. And since non-live test events are currently said to be conducted in the league, it could facilitate a smooth transition.
Chelsea, along with other Premier League clubs, have taken a stand against racism by boycotting social media. (imago Images)
This could remove the ambiguity surrounding the offside calls, however, it remains to be seen how it turns out. But one thing that is guaranteed- that it would reduce the time involved, should the automation claim be true.
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