Introduction of semi-automated offsides 'delayed' by Premier League

Semi-automated offsides now won’t be deployed in the Premier League until next year, according to a report by the Press Association.

After the league approved its usage, it had initially been hoped that the advancement in VAR technology seen at this summer’s Euros would be implemented during one of the autumn international breaks.

Yet with testing said to be still ongoing, the system – which would speed up VAR checks by an average of 31 seconds – will not be put into action until at least November, if not the beginning of next year.

The report suggests that expectations over the start date were managed during a meeting held on Thursday by Premier League chiefs.