The Football Association has released a statement regarding the use of AI tech in the seven matches taking place at Premier League stadiums during the FA Cup fifth round next month.

These include video assistant referees (VAR) and semi-automated offside technology (SAOT).

VAR are match officials, with independent access to match footage, who may assist the referee only in the event of a ‘clear and obvious error’ or ‘serious missed incident’ in relation to goal/no goal, penalty/no penalty, direct red card or mistaken identity.

According to the FA statement VAR tech 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.

During the fifth round, SAOT will be used live in competitive matches in English football for the first time.

This AI-based player tracking technology was first used at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The Premier League had planned...