UEFA to debut semi-automatic offside in UEFA Super Cup match between Real Madrid and Eintracht this month.
The European Super Cup game between Real Madrid and Eintracht will be overseen by English referee Michael Oliver, according to UEFA.
However, the key advancement is not in the referee, a seasoned Real Madrid player; rather, it is in football technology, which is continuing to grow, and Helsinki will witness the introduction of the semi-automatic offside system.
The use of this technique to identify improper positioning in the Champions League was also disclosed by UEFA.
Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT) will make its debut in European club tournaments at the UEFA Super Cup, according to a UEFA release.
Also starting with the group stage of the 2018 UEFA Champions League season, SAOT will be utilized.
After more than two years of testing, UEFA claims that the system is completely operational.
Since 2020, 188 tests have been conducted, including at the finals of other club competitions, the knockout stage of the UEFA Women’s Champions League, all of the UEFA Women’s European Championship finals, and all Champions League games from the previous season.
In a statement, UEFA Chief Refereeing Officer Roberto Rosetti said, “UEFA is continually seeking for new technical solutions to better the game and help the work of the referees.”
“With the help of this cutting-edge system, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) teams will be able to identify offside situations more swiftly and precisely, improving the game’s flow and the consistency of the calls.
The system has been put into place at each Champions League stadium and is ready to be used in official matches.
