Semi-Automated Offside Technology Debuts in English Football League

Semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) will be introduced in seven of the eight FA Cup fifth-round ties, excluding Preston vs. Burnley. The Premier League aims to implement it later, reducing offside check time by 31 seconds. Developed with Genius Sports, SAOT is considered highly accurate. UEFA has used it in the Champions League since 2022.

For the English Premier League, semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) is set to make its debut in seven of the eight FA Cup fifth-round matches. This technology, designed to speed up offside decisions, will be implemented in all ties hosted at Premier League stadiums, with the Preston vs. Burnley fixture being the only exception. The Premier League plans to introduce this system into its competition later in the season, aiming to reduce the average time for offside checks by 31 seconds.

Developed in collaboration with Genius Sports, SAOT has already been successfully used in the UEFA Champions League since the 2022-23 season. Premier League chief football officer Tony Scholes highlighted that the chosen system is the most accurate and future-proof version available. The technology utilizes advanced tracking systems to improve decision-making speed and accuracy, addressing ongoing concerns about VAR delays.

The FA Cup fifth-round matches featuring SAOT will take place around March 1-2. This marks a significant step in modernizing English football officiating, following UEFA’s lead in adopting technology to enhance fairness and efficiency in crucial match decisions.