The English Premier League is set to introduce a new system to replace the controversial VAR technology for the 2024-25 season. This new approach will involve using Apple iPhones to help with offside decisions, marking a significant change in how the league handles video-assisted refereeing.
Premier League’s New Referee: iPhone Replaces VAR for Offside Decisions
The new system, called “Dragon,” was developed by Genius Sports and Second Spectrum. It will be in use in all Premier League matches starting this season. The technology will rely on at least 28 iPhones, specifically iPhone 14 models or newer, placed around the field. These phones will be in waterproof cases and fitted with cooling fans. Allowing them to capture high-frame-rate videos from different angles on the pitch.
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What makes Dragon unique is its ability to track a large amount of data for each player. The system can monitor between 7,000 and 10,000 points on every player, capturing details like body lines, muscle mass, and even skeletal structure. This level of detail helps ensure more accurate offside decisions. The system records at up to 100 frames per second. It gives a clearer view of when the ball is played.
The iPhones send this data to AI-powered software that analyzes the footage to detect offside situations. However, even with this advanced technology, human referees will still make the final decision. This means the system is there to support referees, not replace them.
In addition to improving offside detection, the Dragon system could have other uses in the future, such as creating digital twins of players for further analysis. As the Premier League prepares to implement this new system, fans are eager to see if it can resolve the issues that have plagued VAR.
The use of iPhones in such a critical role highlights the growing connection between sports and technology. The Premier League’s move could inspire other leagues to consider similar innovations, potentially setting a new standard for football officiating.
