Revolutionizing the Game: FA Cup Fifth Round to Trial Cutting-Edge Semi-Automated Offside Technology

For the first time, semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) will make its debut in English football during the FA Cup fifth round in March.

This technology will be used in seven of the eight matches. The only exception is the game between Preston North End and Burnley, which isn’t held at a Premier League venue.

If the trial goes well, Premier League teams might adopt this technology in the future.

All eight matches in the FA Cup’s fifth round will also feature video assistant referees (VAR) and announcements within the stadiums.

Earlier this year, Premier League clubs agreed to implement SAOT for the 2024-25 season. Testing has been ongoing for two seasons, including some offline trials during select Premier League games.

According to the FA, “The new technology will be introduced in the fifth round of the FA Cup after extensive testing.”

Tony Scholes, the Premier League’s chief football officer, expressed optimism about introducing the technology this season, stating, “We are still testing it and making significant progress.”

He emphasized the importance of confidence in the system before any rollout: “We won’t implement it if we have any doubts,” he said.

SAOT uses specialized cameras to track all 22 players, providing real-time offside rulings and addressing delays linked to traditional methods.

This technology is already in use at major competitions, including the 2022 men’s World Cup and the Champions League since the 2022-23 season.

In England, the FA has been testing officiating technology at cup competitions this season. In-stadium VAR announcements started during the Carabao Cup semi-finals, with plans for wider implementation in the Premier League next season.

The fifth round of the FA Cup is set for the weekend of March 1.

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Planned changes to Premier League officiating: In-stadium VAR announcements and semi-automated offsides

(Top photo: Adrian Dennis/AFP via Getty Images)