English football prepares revolution in offside detection
Semi-automated offside detection technology to be used for the first time during FA Cup fifth round
English football is set to revolutionise refereeing with the introduction of semi-automatic offside detection technology, which will be used for the first time during the FA Cup fifth round .
On Thursday, the Football Association (FA) announced that the technology will be used in all seven games that will take place at Premier League stadiums .
The FA added that “following the successful live use of the Emirates FA Cup , the Premier League will look to implement the system later this season.”
“The semi-automated offside technology will enable more efficient placement of the virtual offside line, based on optical player tracking, and will produce virtual graphics to ensure an improved stadium and broadcast experience for fans. The operation of the semi-automated offside technology does not alter the accuracy of decision-making, but increases the speed and efficiency of the process,” the organisation said.
Premier League clubs unanimously approved the use of the technology in April 2024, with an expected introduction date of October 2024, although this has been delayed to allow for further testing of the technology.
UEFA introduced semi-automated offside technology into the UEFA Champions League at the start of the 2022/2023 campaign.
