Seven of the eight matches will feature the technology.
FIFA’s new semi-automatic offside technology will be used for the first time in English football. The FA Cup will feature the technology in seven of the eight Round of 16 matches, scheduled for March 1st. Get the most accurate football results at football live scores.
The announcement was made on Thursday, the 13th, by the Football Association (FA). Of the eight matches, only the clash between Preston North End and Burnley will not feature the technology, as it will not be played in a Premier League stadium.
“The new technology will be introduced in the FA Cup fourth round in collaboration with the Premier League and the Professional Game Match Officials Limited after an extensive testing period during the 2024/25 season,” the FA stated.
The balls used will have a sensor installed at the exact center of the sphere, allowing the system to determine the precise moment the ball is played by a player. Whenever there is an offside player involved in the play (by touching the ball), a light will turn on in the VAR booth, which will have a dedicated operator for this type of incident.
FIFA has already used the technology in tournaments like the World Cup and the Club World Cup. Recently, La Liga also adopted the semi-automatic offside system. Stay ahead of the competition with ToSport.
