THE FA Cup fifth round will create history in English football, as semi-automated offsides will be used for the first time.
Seven of the eight FA Cup fifth round fixtures will use the new technology, aiming to speed up the VAR offside decision-making process.
VAR will introduce the new system, after already introducing in-stadium announcements in the Carabao CupGLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images
Manchester United are the current holders of the FA CupMarc Aspland The Times
Preston vs Burnley will not use the technology, as the new system will only be used in Premier League grounds.
The system has already seen success in competitions such as the World Cup, Champions League, Serie A and La Liga.
What is semi-automated offside?
The semi-automated offside technology uses tracking cameras to help referees know when a player is offside.
The technology will help eliminate long wait times in games with VAR, as it will flag when players are offside rather than spending long periods of time drawing lines on still images.
Cameras around the ground will track players during the game, and if at any point during a key moment, such as a penalty or red card, a player is offside, the VAR will be sent an alert.
It is a similar concept to the semi-automated offsides seen in the World Cup 2022 and the Champions League.
However, Tony Scholes, Premier League chief football officer, has said the Premier League have been developing a different system.
FA Cup fifth round draw
Preston vs Burnley is the only game not using the new technology, as the rest of the ties take place in Premier League grounds.
The full draw is available here:
Aston Villa vs Cardiff – Fri, Feb 28 – 8pm GMT – ITV1
Crystal Palace vs Milwall – Sat, Mar 1 – 12:15pm GMT – BBC One
Preston vs Burnley – Sat, Mar 1 – 12:15pm GMT – BBC iPlayer
Bournemouth vs Wolves
Manchester City vs Plymouth – Sat, Mar 1 – 5:45pm GMT – ITV4
Newcastle v Brighton – Sun, Mar 2 – 1:45pm GMT – ITV1
Man United vs Fulham, Sun, Mar 2 – 4:30pm GMT – BBC One
Nottingham Forest vs Ipswich – Mon, Mar 3 – 7:30pm GMT – ITV4
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