VAR is getting an upgrade! Premier League finally set to introduce semi-automated offsides with FA Cup to trial new technology during fifth round

The system aims to speed up offside decisions and will be used in seven matches hosted at Premier League stadiums. VAR will still be active in all eight competition fixtures, but the newly upgraded offside system will only be implemented at top-flight venues.

As part of the initiative, the FA Cup matches featuring the technology will also include in-stadium VAR announcements. The goal is to provide fans both in the stadium and watching from home with clearer explanations of key decisions.

The Football Association (FA), Premier League, and Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) confirmed the decision in a joint statement and informed that if the trials go smoothly, the Premier League aims to implement it 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," it said.

"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. Following successful live operation in the Emirates FA Cup, the Premier League will look to implement the system later this season."

Tony Scholes, the Premier League’s chief football officer, recently provided an update on the development of the new technology and emphasized that the league had chosen what it believes to be the most advanced and reliable system available.

"We believe it to be the most accurate and the most future-proof system as well," he said. "I have to confess, given the difficulties that we had over the first few months of the season, I had severe doubts about this but the progress made over the last four to six weeks has been significant."

Some critics have raised concerns about the mid-season introduction of the new technology, fearing it could impact the consistency of decision-making. However, Scholes was quick to dismiss such worries, stating that the core principles of offside rulings remain unchanged.

"The operation of semi-automated offside technology does not change the integrity of the offside law and doesn't change the integrity of decision-making," he insisted.

"We have got 100 per cent accuracy (on offside after VAR checks) this season, so it won't improve the accuracy. What it does is make the process more efficient."

Fans and players alike will be watching closely to see how the new technology impacts the decision-making process in these crucial knockout matches. Developed in partnership with Genius Sports, the semi-automated offside system is designed to significantly speed up offside reviews. The Premier League estimates that this upgrade will reduce the average time of offside checks by 31 seconds, making the game flow smoother.