Bundesliga to Introduce Semi-Automated Offside Technology Next Season

The German Football Association confirms the system aims to speed up offside decisions by 30 seconds, following its use in major international tournaments.

• The Bundesliga will adopt semi-automated offside technology starting in the 2025-26 season, confirmed by DFB referee chief Knut Kircher.
• The system, already used in the World Cup, European Championship, Champions League, and Premier League, combines ball sensors and multiple cameras to deliver data quickly to video referees.
• The technology is expected to reduce the time required for offside reviews by an average of 30 seconds per decision.
• Discussions are ongoing about increasing transparency during VAR interventions, including potential stadium announcements and live video displays of key decisions.
• Kircher expressed skepticism about introducing a limited number of coach challenges, arguing it could create unrealistic expectations about overturning referee decisions.

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