The Bundesliga is apparently introducing semi-automatic offside detection next season. At least that’s what Knut Kircher, head of referees at the German Football Association (DFB), confirmed to “Kicker”. At the German Football League they point to technical details that need to be clarified.
“Semi-automatic offside technology is coming to the next Bundesliga season”said Kircher in an interview with “Kicker”. He confirmed media reports that had been circulating for months – Sportschau had also reported that the DFL was discussing the introduction.
The German Football League is somewhat more reserved than Kircher. A spokesman for the DFL told the Sportschau that the clubs had the last general meeting in December “Path cleared” for the use of semi-automatic offside detection.
The plan is to introduce the technology for the new season – but it is not yet certain whether this will succeed. Tests are currently underway to ensure technical feasibility. You are the last hurdle.
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The semi-automatic offside detection is intended to ensure that controversial offside decisions in the Bundesliga can be made much faster and more reliably.
The basic principle of semi-automatic offside detection: The technology determines the moment of ball contact and the position of the players. She sends both to the video assistant. The referee team still has the right to decide whether the offside position is also punishable – for example when it comes to the question of a passive or active offside position.
Offside detection already introduced in many places
The principle, which was also used by UEFA at the 2024 European Championship and during the Champions League and by FIFA at the 2022 World Cup, is based on a chip in the ball. The ball is thereby located 500 times per second. The DFL tested the chip in the ball at the Supercup 2024 Leverkusen.
Offside detection is also used in the Champions League and some top European leagues: Spain introduced it in the 2024/25 season, and in Italy it has been used since the 2023/24 season. England has decided to introduce it for the course of the current season, but implementation is still pending.
More transparency in the stadium regarding VAR interventions?
In an interview with “Kicker”, Kircher also explained that he was open to more transparency regarding interventions by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). “Concerning the stadium announcements, discussions are ongoing, there are intensive considerations. And we would be prepared for a possible pilot phase in the second half of the season. We also have to wait for FIFA’s findings: How will it be received, and does the technology work properly? It can Of course, our referees won’t let us down.”
It must be ensured that the crucial images are displayed directly on the video boards “not three minutes later”said Kircher.
Recently, at tournaments, such as the Women’s World Cup, FIFA has had referees announce decisions via the stadium microphone. UEFA proceeds differently. For example, she relied on written communication on the scoreboard at the 2024 European Championships in Germany.