Semi-Automated Offside Technology to Debut in English Football—FA Cup 2025

A confirmation has been given for the introduction of semi-automated offside technology to English domestic football. The Football Association (FA) and Premier League have confirmed that this technology will be seen in the fifth round of the Emirates FA Cup, providing transparency and enhanced decision-making for referees, players, and fans alike.

Semi-Automated Offside Technology in the FA Cup: A Game-Changer

The adoption of semi-automated offsides is significant for English football. This advanced, AI-driven system was previously tested in matches in the Champions League and is now set to be employed for the very first time during competitive fixtures in England.

On Thursday, the FA and Premier League released a joint statement detailing the introduction of the technology:

• VAR will be in operation for all eight FA Cup fifth-round fixtures
• Semi-automated offside Technology will be employed in seven games staged at Premier League stadiums
• In-stadium VAR announcements will bring greater clarity to on-the-ground fans

It offers the potential to make the placing of virtual offside lines faster and more efficient while generating more accurate decisions that improve the match experience for spectators and TV viewers alike.

How Does Semi-Automated Offside Technology Work?

The technology uses AI-powered optical tracking to ascertain precise offside positions. Here’s how it works:

• Sensors in the ball provide tracking 500 times per second on exactly when the ball is kicked.
• 12 dedicated tracking cameras follow 29 data points per player, thereby maintaining an eye on their exact position on the pitch.
• The system creates 3D visual graphics, which give a clear understanding of offsides.
• VAR officials receive swift alerts, radically shortening the time taken for a decision fror the traditional VAR processes.

So, while the accuracy of making these decisions will remain unchanged, the speed and efficiency will be a step upwards.

Which FA Cup Matches Will Use Semi-Automated Offsides?

The technology will be in place for these Emirates FA Cup fifth-round fixtures:

• Aston Villa vs Cardiff City
• Crystal Palace vs Millwall
• Manchester United vs Fulham
• Newcastle United vs Brighton & Hove Albion
• AFC Bournemouth vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
• Manchester City vs Plymouth Argyle
• Nottingham Forest vs Ipswich Town

These matches will serve as a test phase for the Premier League, which plans to implement the system across the league later in the season.

The Future of VAR and Offside Technology in England

The UEFA Champions League used semi-automated offside technology from the 2022/23 season; the system has proven to be effective in terms of curtailing stoppages and adding consistency in decision-making.

If the trial in the FA Cup is successful, the Premier League is expected to continue with the system, making the officiating process and the reduction of controversial offside decisions seem more genuine.

Complimentary with modern technology is improved fairness associated with accuracy within football; English football is getting another step ahead in modernizing refereeing standards from 2024/2025 onwards.