Full Breakdown
Premier League Referees Question Trust in VAR Offside Technology
2/20/2026, 11:26:23 PM
Referees' Concerns Over Offside Technology
Premier League referees have expressed significant dissatisfaction with the semi-automated offside technology provided by Genius Sports, prompting calls for a change in provider. The situation escalated following a five-and-a-half-minute delay during the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg between Newcastle United and Manchester City on January 14, 2023. This incident involved a controversial offside decision regarding Erling Haaland, which many officials believe highlighted the system's unreliability.
Background of the Technology
The semi-automated offside system, which was implemented at the end of the previous season, utilizes a dedicated camera network with 30 iPhones in each stadium, capturing 100 frames per second. This technology was chosen over Hawk-Eye's equivalent system, which already provided video replays and goal-line technology. Both Genius Sports and Hawk-Eye operate from the Stockley Park facility in West London, where they have separate teams managing their respective technologies.
Critical Incident and Its Aftermath
The pivotal moment occurred when Antoine Semenyo scored what he thought was a legitimate goal, only for the VAR to take an extended period to assess Haaland's position. The technology's failure to function correctly, particularly when the goalkeeper is not the last defender, led to frustration among referees, who feel they are unfairly blamed for delays. This incident has prompted officials to question the efficacy of the current system and advocate for a switch to a more reliable provider.
Official Statements & Responses
While Genius Sports has been approached for comment, both the Premier League and the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) have declined to provide statements regarding the referees' concerns. The lack of timely decisions has left match officials feeling vulnerable to public criticism, as they are often the face of the technology's shortcomings.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics argue that the decision to use Genius Sports over Hawk-Eye has created operational inefficiencies, as two separate contractors manage different aspects of VAR technology. This division has led to complications during matches, particularly in high-stakes situations where quick decisions are crucial. Referees have voiced their frustrations in training sessions, indicating a growing consensus that the current system is inadequate.
What's Next
The ongoing dissatisfaction among referees may lead to discussions among Premier League clubs regarding the future of VAR technology. If the issues persist, there could be significant pressure to reevaluate the partnership with Genius Sports and consider a return to a more unified system, potentially favoring Hawk-Eye's established technology.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Premier League match officials have reportedly lost confidence in the semi-automated offside technology | GETTY The semi-automated analysis of Haaland's position simply failed to function.” — GB News Report
- “Referees feel that they – on-field officials and VARs – are getting the blame from the public for delays.” — Telegraph Sport Report
- “The failure was reportedly discussed at the weekly VAR training session attended by select group 1 referees, who officiate Premier League fixtures and top-tier Championship matches.” — GB News Report
