The FA have confirmed that Video Assistant Referees (VAR) are going to be active across the FA Cup’s fifth round ties next month – with Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT) also set to be utilised for the first time after a delay from its expected roll-out.. Manchester United and Manchester City are both at home in the next round of the world-famous competition on the weekend commencing Saturday, March 1, meaning both VAR and SAOT are going to be in operation.. Preston’s FA Cup tie against Championship neighbours Burnley is the only one of the eight FA Cup fifth round ties that won’t have SAOT, though, but it will have VAR in operation – with Deepdale being a Championship stadium.. Seven of the eight matches are going to be hosted by Premier League teams, so SAOT – as well as VAR – is all set to have a major impact on that weekend’s FA Cup football.. A statement from the FA read: “Video Assistant Referees [VAR] will be active across all eight ties of this season’s Emirates FA Cup fifth round proper. 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.. “The fifth round will also utilise Semi-Automated Offside Technology in all seven matches taking place at Premier League stadiums, which is the first time it will be used live in competitive matches in English football.. “The new technology will be introduced in the FA Cup fifth round – in collaboration with the Premier League and the Professional Game Match Officials Limited [PGMOL] – following an extensive testing period that has taken place during the 2024/2025 season. Following successful live operation in the Emirates FA Cup, the Premier League will look to implement the system later this season.. “Semi-Automated Offside Technology will provide more efficient placement of the virtual offside line, based on optical player tracking, and [it will] produce virtual graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for supporters. The operation of Semi-Automated Offside Technology doesn’t change the accuracy of the decision-making, but enhances the speed and efficiency of the process.. “This season’s Emirates FA Cup fifth round is set for the weekend of Saturday March 1, and the match schedule will be confirmed in due course.”. United, who progressed past Leicester City to reach this stage, host Fulham at Old Trafford in the fifth round, while City face Plymouth Argyle at the Etihad Stadium.
