Image credit: The Byteline

For the first time in English domestic football, semi-automated artificial intelligence (AI) offside technology will be used during the fifth round of the FA Cup. The Football Association (FA) confirmed on Thursday that the system will be implemented in seven matches held at Premier League stadiums.

The technology is designed to take human subjectivity out of offside decisions by automating the key elements of the process. Traditionally, officials in the video assistant referee (VAR) room must assess when the ball was played, as well as the positioning and angles of both defenders and attackers at that moment. With this new system, all three factors will be instantly determined by AI, reducing the need for lengthy VAR reviews.

The AI-powered system tracks both the ball and players in real-time, using bespoke cameras installed beneath the roofs of all 20 Premier League stadiums. Premier League clubs had already approved the technology for the 2024-25 season, originally planning to roll it out in October 2024. However, the launch was pushed back to allow further testing.

European football has already embraced AI-powered offside calls, with UEFA introducing semi-automated technology in the Champions League at the start of the 2022-23 season. The FA now hopes its use in the FA Cup will pave the way for Premier League adoption later this year.

"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 FA said in a statement.

While the system won’t change the accuracy of decisions, it promises to speed up the process, reducing delays for players and fans.

In addition to the AI technology, VAR will be in place for all eight FA Cup fifth-round matches, including the tie at Championship club Preston, where referees will make live in-stadium announcements regarding VAR decisions.

The FA Cup fifth round is set to take place on the weekend of Saturday, March 1.

‍