Semi-automated offside technology will make its historic debut in English football during next month’s FA Cup fifth round, marking a significant advancement in the game’s use of technology.
The system, already proven in the Champions League and 2022 World Cup, will be implemented across seven Premier League stadiums during the competition’s next stage.
The technology will be used in all FA Cup fifth round matches except for the all-Championship clash between Preston and Burnley.
The implementation comes alongside wider VAR coverage, with the video assistant referee system set to be active across all eight ties of the competition.
Semi-automated offside technology will make its historic debut in English football during next month’s FA Cup fifth round, marking a significant advancement in the game’s use of technology.
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According to the FA’s statement, the new technology will “provide more efficient placement of the virtual offside line” and produce enhanced graphics for both stadium and broadcast viewers.
While the system won’t change the accuracy of decision-making, it aims to enhance “the speed and efficiency of the process,” the FA confirmed.
The introduction of the technology was initially approved by Premier League clubs in April 2024, with plans for implementation after last autumn’s international windows.
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The FA Cup fifth round matches will be played on March 1 and March 2
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October had been targeted as the likely launch date, but several months passed with ongoing testing.
League officials had moved to manage clubs’ expectations regarding the launch timeline during a London meeting last September but it is set to be utilised later in the season.
Premier League chief football officer Tony Scholes recently reported “significant progress” on the technology’s implementation over the past four to six weeks.
“The system that we’ve adopted, we believe it to be the best system,” Scholes said. “We believe it to be the most accurate and the most future-proof system as well.”
Referees will be required to make in-stadium announcements explaining VAR decisions, a system first tested during recent Carabao Cup semi-finals.
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The FA confirmed that match officials will announce their final decisions on reviewed incidents “to provide improved clarity and understanding for spectators and viewers.”
The eight FA Cup fifth round ties are scheduled to take place across the weekend of Saturday, March 1.
Following successful implementation in the FA Cup, the Premier League is looking to adopt the semi-automated offside system later this season.
The Premier League estimates the technology could reduce the average VAR check for offside by 31 seconds.