The FA Cup is set to make history with the introduction of semi-automated offside technology in the fifth round of the competition, marking the first time the system will be used in English football. If successful, the Premier League is expected to adopt the technology later this season.
A Major Step Forward for Officiating
The Football Association (FA) and the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) have confirmed that after extensive testing during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, the technology is now ready for live use. The system will be trialed in the seven FA Cup fifth-round matches hosted at Premier League stadiums, while the eighth fixture at Preston will operate without it.
Additionally, VAR will be active across all eight ties, featuring in-stadium announcements by referees to improve clarity for fans.
How Semi-Automated Offside Technology Works
The semi-automated offside system is designed to enhance efficiency and accuracy in offside decisions by using optical player tracking to automatically place virtual offside lines. Unlike the traditional VAR system, which requires manual placement of lines, this technology will significantly reduce decision time, with the Premier League hoping to cut delays by over 30 seconds.
The system has already proven successful in high-profile tournaments, having been used at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Premier League Expected to Follow Suit
Following the FA Cup trial, the Premier League clubs—who unanimously voted in favor of the technology in April 2024—will look to introduce it before the end of the season. However, no official date has been confirmed.
Premier League Chief Football Officer Tony Scholes acknowledged early setbacks in implementing the system but praised recent progress, saying:
“The system we’ve adopted is the best, the most accurate, and the most future-proof. Despite early challenges, significant strides have been made in the last four to six weeks.”
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Scholes also dismissed concerns over integrity issues, emphasizing that while the technology won’t change offside accuracy, it will greatly speed up the decision-making process.
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Looking Ahead
The FA Cup fifth-round fixtures will take place across the weekend of Saturday, March 1, marking a landmark moment for English football. If the trial proves successful, the Premier League’s adoption of the technology could lead to a smoother, faster officiating experience for teams, players, and fans alike.
