Semi-automated offside technology will be used in English football for the first time in seven FA Cup fifth-round matches at Premier League stadiums next month, the Football Association (FA) has announced.
Originally due to be deployed before Christmas, however, the technology suffered testing delays and instead will be rolled out after an extensive testing period throughout the 2024-25 season. The Premier League also intends to introduce the system this season.
“The Semi-Automated Offside Technology will enable the placement of the virtual offside line more efficiently, according to the optical player tracking, and will produce the virtual graphics to improve the experience for both the on-site audience and TV broadcast,” the FA said.
All eight ties in the fifth round will also have Video Assistant Referees (VAR) with live announcements from referees of decisions made at the end. VAR was missing in previous rounds of the competition and it led to controversy, including in Manchester United’s 2-1 defeat of Leicester City, when Harry Maguire’s late winner looked to be offside.
The sole fifth-round tie that doesn’t include a Premier League club is Preston North End vs Burnley. The weekend of the 1 March will see four all-Premier League clashes, representing a major advance in officiating technology for English football.
