For the first time in English football, the fifth round of the 2024-25 Emirates FA Cup will feature Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT). Officials will implement the system in seven matches hosted by Premier League clubs.
Developed in collaboration with the Premier League, PGMOL, and Genius Sports, SAOT aims to enhance decision speed, efficiency, and consistency while maintaining human oversight through the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
Key features of SAOT include:
- 30 high-speed cameras tracking the ball and 10,000 data points per player
- Automated offside line detection, reducing manual VAR intervention
- 3D visual replays displayed in stadiums and broadcasts for clarity
- Faster offside decisions, cutting review times by approximately 30 seconds
🚨 Semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) will be used tomorrow night for the first time in English football as Aston Villa take on Cardiff in the FA Cup #AVFC pic.twitter.com/guSe3z8BwN
— Aston Villa Statto (@AVFCStatto) February 27, 2025When an offside position is detected, VAR officials confirm the decision and display a 3D visual replay. This replay shows red (offside) and green (onside) indicators, with a white vertical line marking the offside line.
SAOT will not change the existing offside rule or increase the number of disallowed goals. The Premier League’s “thicker” offside lines will remain to prevent marginal “toenail” offsides.
🔹 Faster Decisions: Reduces VAR offside checks by 30 seconds
🔹 Consistent Officiating: Limits human error in line drawing
🔹 Maintained Human Oversight: VAR officials can review edge cases
🔹 No Change for Subjective Calls: SAOT won’t be used for interference rulings
Future of SAOT in English Football
SAOT has successfully deployed in UEFA and FIFA tournaments, and its introduction to the FA Cup could pave the way for its future adoption in the Premier League. Although not fully automated, this technology marks a significant step toward streamlining officiating technology in English football.
New semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) will be used live for the first time in English football during the fifth round of the #EmiratesFACup over the next few days.
Click below for what you need to know about SAOT. ⤵️
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) February 27, 2025With technology evolving, football fans can expect faster and more transparent offside decisions, ensuring a smoother match experience.
 to enhance decision-making speed, efficiency, and accuracy.){kind=link}