Augustine MuthuriEnglish football is on the cusp of a technological leap, with semi-automated offside technology poised to make its debut in the FA Cup fifth round. This groundbreaking move will not only enhance the speed and efficiency of offside decisions but also pave the way for its introduction in the Premier League later this season.
While the technology has been a staple in competitions like the World Cup and Champions League, its arrival in England has been a subject of much anticipation and delay. Now, the FA Cup will serve as the testing ground for this innovation, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of officiating in the country.
The fifth round of the FA Cup will see Video Assistant Referees (VAR) active across all eight ties. Adding to the technological advancements, referees will also provide in-stadium announcements explaining decisions made after a review, a practice previously trialed in the Carabao Cup semi-finals. This initiative aims to improve transparency and clarity for both spectators and viewers.
“Video Assistant Referees [VAR] will be active across all eight ties of this season’s Emirates FA Cup fifth round proper,” an FA statement confirmed. “This will include in-stadium VAR announcements, where match officials will announce their final decision in relation to reviewed incidents to provide improved clarity and understanding for spectators and viewers. The fifth round will also utilise Semi-Automated Offside Technology in all seven matches taking place at Premier League stadiums, which is the first time it will be used live in competitive matches in English football.”
The FA, in collaboration with the PGMOL, has conducted extensive testing of the semi-automated offside technology during the 2024-25 season, paving the way for its live implementation in the FA Cup. Following a successful trial in the competition, the Premier League is expected to adopt the system later in the season.
“Following successful live operation in the Emirates FA Cup, the Premier League will look to implement the system later this season,” the FA statement continued.
The semi-automated system utilizes optical player tracking to provide more precise placement of the virtual offside line, generating virtual graphics to enhance the viewing experience in stadiums and broadcasts. The technology’s primary benefit lies in its ability to expedite the offside decision-making process, not necessarily alter the accuracy of the decisions themselves.
“The operation of Semi-Automated Offside Technology does not change the accuracy of the decision making but enhances the speed and efficiency of the process,” the FA clarified.
While VAR will be present in all eight fifth-round matches, the semi-automated offside technology will be deployed in seven of the eight fixtures, excluding Preston vs Burnley.
Premier League clubs approved the introduction of the technology back in April 2024. Despite initial hopes of implementation earlier in the season, delays have pushed its arrival to the FA Cup fifth round. The Premier League estimates that the technology could reduce the average VAR check time for offside calls by approximately 31 seconds.
Premier League chief football officer Tony Scholes recently confirmed that the technology is still on track for introduction this season. He cited “significant progress” made in recent weeks and emphasized that the system they have chosen is “the best system,” “the most accurate,” and “the most future-proof.”
Scholes also addressed concerns about potential integrity issues arising from introducing the technology late in the season. He reassured that the technology does not alter the offside law or the accuracy of decision-making, but rather focuses on improving the efficiency of the process.
The FA Cup fifth round ties are scheduled to take place across the weekend of Saturday, March 1, marking a landmark moment for English football and the beginning of a new era in officiating.
