The FA Cup is the oldest football competition, with the opening games played in 1872. Its rich history is about to reach another milestone on Friday, as the artificial intelligence-based semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) will be presented on Friday night in the FA Cup last-16 tie between Aston Villa and Cardiff.But what is that new technology, how does it work, and is it really any better?##NAJAVA_MECA_8745653##The developers say that it creates a “more efficient placement of the virtual offside line” by taking the mapping of the relevant players out of the hands of the VAR and into the control of technology. Rather than a referee placing lines onto a 2D TV screen, SAOT will plot the players in 3D.It will also bring an “enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for supporters.”This means that now fans will effectively be moved almost in line with the assistant referee to show an offside. 🏴Semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) is making its debut in English football, and it’s happening this weekend in the FA Cup. This innovative tech aims to enhance the speed and efficiency of offside decisions, without changing the accuracy of the decision-making process pic.twitter.com/Dl2Fbzknuf— All Sportz 🏀⚽ (@Allsportztv) February 28, 2025 The animation will also be posted on the @PLMatchCentre X account.The exact point on the attacker which is deemed offside is highlighted, and a simulation will create a “wall” indicating the offside line. If a player is offside, the relevant part of the body will break through that “wall.”FA CUP – ROUND OF 16Friday 23.00: (1.20) Aston Villa (6.75) Cardiff (14.0)Saturday 15.15: (1.35) Crystal Palace (4.80) Millwall (10.0)15.15: (3.60) Preston (3.15) Burnley (2.20)18.00: (1.80) Bournemouth (3.60) Wolverhampton (4.60)20.45: (1.10) Man.City (11.0) Plymouth (18.0)Sunday 16.45: (2.15) Newcastle (3.50) Brighton (3.30)19.30: (2.35) Man.Utd. (3.40) Fulham (3.00)Monday 22.30: (1.75) Nott.Forest (3.60) Ipswich (4.90)***odds are subject to change***
