Credit: Imago / Premier League Match Centre via X

Harri Burton

Mon 25 May 2026 11:30, UK

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Phil Foden can rightly feel disappointed after seeing his equaliser ruled out for offside during Manchester City‘s defeat to Aston Villa.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that laws around semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) need to change next season.

In what was a rather emotional day at the Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola had his farewell party ruined by an Ollie Watkins double, with Antoine Semenyo’s opener being completely forgotten on Sunday, 24 May.

Foden nearly salvaged a draw in Manchester, hitting the back of the net in the 90th minute, only to see his effort ruled out for offside, and replays showed just how close it was.

Phil Foden moment ruined by VAR vs Aston Villa

The Premier League Match Centre released images of the offside decision, showing the player’s bottom poking into an offside position, with the attacker facing away from goal. It ruined the mood at the Etihad.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “I have mentioned before, I have problems with the accuracy of the semi-automated offside system that the English Premier League and PGMOL are operating.

“I don’t think it delivers the same level of accuracy and speed as the one that we’re going to see in the World Cup. I believe that the only way you are going to give, if you like, confidence to the players, the managers and the spectators is to go down the route that I went down with goal line technology.

“Advance the technology on the basis that the criterion is that it operates without human involvement. Now that might mean also a change in law, but with AI, with camera technology, with software programs that can be developed. 

“I believe, like goal line technology, you can get to a point where it’s a goal and in the same situation, we get a decision. Let’s take the nonsense out of it and develop the technology.”

What does Foden’s future hold after 2025-26?

Despite an incredible start to the 2025-26 campaign, finishing the season on 13 goals and eight assists in 54 games, his form totally tailed off in the second half of the term.

There has been plenty of speculation around his future, but talk about a potential move away has been totally squashed after Foden put pen to paper on a new contract at the Etihad.

Of course, he will have to impress a new manager next season, with Pep Guardiola finally bringing an end to his time in Manchester after decade, but that shouldn’t be a problem.

Bernardo Silva is joining Guardiola through the exit doors this summer, so Foden has no other option but to step up and become integral to the starting lineup.

He has the ability to do so, but it will be all about getting his confidence back up after an indifferent few months.