Semi-automated offside technology will be introduced at next week's UEFA Super Cup clash between Real Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt before being used in this season’s Champions League.
The new system, which has already been approved by FIFA for this year’s World Cup in Qatar, operates thanks to specialised cameras which are able to track 29 different body points per player and a sensor in the ball that allows for more accurately determining the moment a pass is played.
Computer software will automatically highlight apparent offsides, which Video Assistant Referees will then review and confirm, taking other factors such as interfering with play into account.
FIFA has said it expects the average wait time to confirm offside decisions to drop from 70 seconds to 25. The enhanced accuracy of the system means however that even the most marginal of offsides will now be called, rather than the 'tolerance level' in place due to limits in the older broadcast camera-based system.
A total of 188 tests have been performed since 2020, including all matches in last season’s Champions League and throughout Euro 2022.
UEFA chief refereeing officer Roberto Rosetti said in a statement: "UEFA is constantly looking for new technological solutions to improve the game and support the work of the referees.
"This innovative system will allow VAR teams to determine offside situations quickly and more accurately, enhancing the flow of the game and the consistency of the decisions."
Europe's top leagues are not expected to introduce the newer system until the 2023/24 season at the earliest.
