Semi-automated offsides finally arrive in English football as date revealed for first match technology will be used

The date that semi-automated offsides will be used in English domestic football has finally been revealed.

On Thursday, the Football Association (FA) released a joint statement with the Premier League on their official website to confirm the news.

“Video Assistant Referees [VAR] will be active across all eight ties of this season’s Emirates FA Cup fifth round proper," the statement read.

“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 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.

“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.

“This season’s Emirates FA Cup fifth round is set for the weekend of Saturday 1 March, and the match schedule will be confirmed in due course."

The technology was introduced to the Champions League ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

According to ESPN, the AI-based technology uses a sensor which is placed in the ball, recording data "500 times a second" in order to detect exactly when the ball is kicked.

FA Cup games semi-automated offsides will be used in

Aston Villa v Cardiff City

Crystal Palace v Millwall

Manchester United v Fulham

Newcastle United v Brighton & Hove Albion

AFC Bournemouth v Wolverhampton Wanderers

Manchester City v Plymouth Argyle

Nottingham Forest v Ipswich Town