English football wan bring semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) come first time for FA Cup fifth round wey go happen weekend of March 1-2.
Dis new technology go help make offside decisions fast and better, so everybody fit enjoy di game plus players, referees, and fans alike. SAOT dey use tracking cameras to help on-field and video match officials make correct offside decisions quick quick. Dem don already use am for UEFA Champions League since di start of 2022/23 season and for di 2022 FIFA World Cup for Qatar too. FA Cup fifth round go see SAOT for seven matches wey go happen for Premier League grounds, like Aston Villa vs Cardiff, Bournemouth vs Wolves, and Manchester City vs Plymouth.
Video Assistant Referees (VAR) go dey around all di eight fifth-round matches, plus in-stadium VAR announcements go dey to make communication clear for fans.
Dis introduction of SAOT na big step for English football to improve di accuracy and efficiency for refereeing. If e work well, dem expect di technology go roll out for di Premier League later for dis season.
