The Premier League has moved a step closer to implementing semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) after announcing it will be trialled in the FA Cup fifth round next month.

The introduction of SAOT in the English top-flight was scheduled for last autumn but has been repeatedly held up due to league chiefs’ concerns over its reliability in testing. 

But it has now been confirmed that it will be in place in the Premier League before the end of the season if it proves successful when it debuts in seven of the eight FA Cup ties.

SAOT uses AI to process data from limb-tracking cameras and a sensor in the ball and is designed to provide quicker and more accurate offside calls to the referee. 

The fifth round of the FA Cup, to be played on the weekend of 1 March, will also be the first to use VAR. It was not used in previous rounds as not all teams had the technology in place. 

The Premier League said: “Video Assistant Referees [VAR] will be active across all eight ties in the Fifth Round of this season’s Emirates FA Cup. 

“This will include in-stadium VAR announcements where match officials will announce their final decision in relation to reviewed incidents to provide improved clarity and understanding for spectators and viewers.