Major rule change confirmed to affect Manchester City in FA Cup fifth round tie against Plymouth Argyle | OneFootball

Manchester City’s FA Cup fifth round tie against Plymouth Argyle will be one of seven matches affected by a major rule change, it has been confirmed this week.

Pep Guardiola and his players progressed into the fifth round of English football’s most prestigious cup competition via a comeback win over Leyton Orient at Brisbane Road in the fourth round.

Goals from Abdukodir Khusanov and Kevin De Bruyne in the second-half overcame Jamie Donley’s staggering opener that forced an own goal from Stefan Ortega Moreno, adding to an 8-0 win in the third round of the competition over Salford City.

Many within the Etihad Stadium are viewing the FA Cup as City’s best chance of silverware this season after a two-month collapse in form in the Premier League, and chances of a Champions League last-16 place reduced after a 2-3 first-leg play-off defeat to Real Madrid.

But matters in the fifth round of the FA Cup, when Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle visit the Etihad Stadium next month, have been altered via an officiating alteration confirmed by relevant governing bodies this week.

It has been announced that not only will Video Assistant Referees (VAR) come into action across all eight fifth round ties, but that semi-automated offsides will also be brought in for the seven matches taking place at Premier League stadiums.

A full statement from the Football Association has read this week, “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 statement also confirmed the introduction of ‘Semi-Automated Offside Technology’, which will be used in English football competitive matches for the first time ever, and will be put into Premier League matches later in the campaign.

“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 statement continued.

“The new technology will be introduced in the Emirates FA Cup fifth round, in collaboration with the Premier League and the Professional Game Match Officials Limited, following an extensive testing period that has taken place during the 2024/25 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 produce virtual graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for supporters.

“The operation of Semi-Automated Offside Technology does not change the accuracy of the decision making but enhances the speed and efficiency of the process.”

Manchester City take on Plymouth Argyle in the fifth round of the FA Cup as a direct reward for their respective fourth round wins over Leyton Orient and Liverpool, with Pep Guardiola’s side now widely viewed as the favourites to win this season’s competition.