A new feature is set to be introduced for the fifth round of this season’s FA Cup.
VAR will already be making its debut in this season’s competition across next month’s eight ties.
UEFASemi-automated offside technology will be introduced to the FA Cup[/caption]
Kenny RamsayThe technology is already used to review VAR decisions in the Champions League[/caption]
The FA have now confirmed the addition of another aid for officials which fans have long been calling for.
Semi-automated offside technology will be in operation in English football for the first time.
The feature has previously been seen at the 2022 World Cup and in the Champions League.
With decisions made significantly faster, the use of semi-automated offside calls have gone down well with fans who are fed up of waiting several minutes to find out whether they can celebrate a goal.
It makes use of tracking cameras to pinpoint the positions of players when the ball is played in order to help VAR officials when reviewing possible offsides.
A joint-statement from the FA, Premier League and PGMOL announced the decision.
The technology could still be implemented in the Premier League before the end of the current campaign.
Their statement read: “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 new technology will be introduced in the Emirates FA Cup fifth round, in collaboration with the Premier League and the Professional Game Match Officials Limited [PGMOL], following an extensive testing period that has taken place during the 2024-25 season.
“Following successful live operation in the Emirates FA Cup, the Premier League will look to implement the system later this season.
UEFAThe Premier League could implement the technology later this term[/caption]
GettyFA Cup matches will also use VAR from the fifth round onwards[/caption]
“Semi-Automated Offside Technology will provide more efficient placement of the virtual offside line, based on optical player tracking, and produce virtual graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for supporters.
“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 decision comes as VAR is put in place at all matches from the fifth round onwards.
It had not been in use at any grounds during the previous stages of this season’s competition.
Referees will also make VAR announcements to the stadium when making decisions.
The practice had previously been displayed in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
This season’s FA Cup resumes with the fifth round across the weekend of Saturday March 1.
