Why World Cup hydration breaks will push traditional ads to the subs bench Sport Business Hydration breaks at the World Cup could usher in major changes to advertising during live sport, writes Jonathan Haines. As broadcasters prepare for the 2026 World Cup, an unexpected talking point has emerged. The tournament will feature mid-half hydration breaks, introduced to protect players from the searing heat predicted this summer in North America. But [...]
VAR is dangerous and I hate it, says referee Bobby Madley Sport Referee Bobby Madley has said he “hates” VAR because it has ruined the immediate emotion for fans watching the game. Madley, who takes charge of games in the EFL and is a fourth official for Premier League matches, spoke out about the technology which continues to be a source of controversy in football. He said [...]
What is the semi-automated offside technology coming to the Premier League? Sport Semi-automated offside technology is set to enter the Premier League this weekend. But what is it, when was it introduced and what does it mean for fans? What is SAOT Semi-automated offside technology was used successfully within the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar, albeit the Premier League version will use Genius Sports as its [...]
Premier League to introduce new offside tech this month April 1, 2025 The Premier League will finally introduce semi-automated offside technology this month after a number of delays. The system, seen as an upgrade on the controversial VAR system currently used to judge offsides, has been tested in a non-live capacity across a number of Premier League and FA Cup games. But it comes much later than [...]
Ahead of the Game: Manchester City row delays EFL New Deal October 16, 2024 Manchester City’s ongoing legal battle with the Premier League has dealt another blow to EFL clubs, who are fearful of further delays over reaching an increased funding settlement from the top-flight which was billed as the so-called New Deal for Football. The Premier League was pushing its members to agree an £836m package for the [...]
Ahead of the Game: Yorkshire land financial boost from Castore deal October 2, 2024 Yorkshire have agreed a multi-million pound kit deal with Castore in a major boost for the cash-strapped county. The five-year contract is the first significant commercial deal brought to the club since their leadership was overhauled following the return of Colin Graves as chairman in February. Graves has yet to secure the £4m outside investment [...]
AI-powered semi-automated VAR set for Premier League debut August 14, 2024 The Premier League will partner with Genius Sports Limited to produce AI-powered semi-automatic VAR for the 2024/25 season, it was announced this morning. VAR faced serious backlash last season with a number of key incidents going viral for mistakes. But the Premier League will now introduce AI-powered semi-automatic VAR, similar to the system used in [...]
Premier League clubs vote to keep VAR but vow to make changes: the details June 6, 2024 The vote was made at today's annual general meeting of the Premier League.
Premier League clubs to vote on scrapping VAR next month May 15, 2024 Premier League clubs are set to hold a vote next month which could see VAR abolished from the English top flight. Introduced in 2019, VAR has been at the centre of a number of decisions this year which the PGMOL, Professional Game Match Officials Limited, have admitted were incorrect. The proposed vote would need 14 [...]
Forest BLAST Premier League VAR as “Luton fan” in wild rant on X April 21, 2024 Nottingham Forest have launched an astonishing attack on the VAR from their Premier League match on Sunday, accusing him of being a “Luton fan”. Forest lost 2-0 in a crucial game against Everton which leaves the Nottingham side teetering on the edge of the relegation zone. The visitors at Goodison Park were denied three penalties [...]