The Video Assistant Referee system better known as VAR is a controversial system used in several major world leagues including Malaysia and also the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 European Cup. Controversy arose because mistakes still occur even though VAR is used. Following some controversial decisions, the VAR system for detecting offsides in the English Premier League (EPL) season 2024/2025 will be replaced by the Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SOAT) system.
For your information, SOAT uses a network of 28 iPhone 14 and newer smartphones to track any offside incidents on the pitch. It uses the GeniusIQ platform developed by Genius Sports. Cameras will be placed around the stadium recording video at a rate of 200 FPS all the time.
In addition, this high frame rate allows small movements to detect offsides and incidents on the pitch to be seen in more detail than in previous systems. According to Dragon, between 7,000-10,000 points on each player's body can be tracked at any one time. Because it is an AI system, the process of making a decision can be done in a matter of seconds compared to a VAR system that receives critical takes too long to affect the pace of the game.
Moreover, all iPhones work in a special network with four devices placed in a special holder complete with its own cooling fan system and power cable. This system has been used in the NBA basketball league of the United States using the name Dragon. With SOAT, maybe next season the LiVARpool joke can be buried.
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