- The decision was announced by the governing body on Monday
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VAR will only be in operation in the FA Cup from the fifth round onwards this season in a major change in direction from the FA.
The technology has been used in the FA Cup since 2018 and was initially trialled in the competition before being introduced in the Premier League from the 2019-20 campaign.
Since then, it has been commonplace for VAR to be used for FA Cup games at Premier League grounds and at Wembley, but not others.
This has attracted controversy, with the technology not used if a Premier League team was playing away at a Championship side for example.
Some have argued that the use of VAR only in certain games in the competition is an unfair situation for clubs involved.
And, in a change for this season, VAR will be used from the fifth round onwards.
VAR will only be used in the FA Cup from the fifth round onwards this season in a major change
It has been used in the competition at Premier League grounds and at Wembley in recent years
But it will now be used at all grounds from the fifth round, whatever division the hosts are in
However, the technology will be available at all grounds, whether they are Premier League or not, with the FA claiming this is done to ensure that there is a ‘consistent refereeing approach for all clubs’ in the competition.
In a statement, they said: ‘Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will only be used in the 2024-25 FA Cup from the fifth round onwards.
‘It has been agreed that VAR will be utilised for every match in the fifth round of the competition through to the final at Wembley Stadium, and will not be in operation for the third and fourth rounds.
‘VAR has only been used in the Emirates FA Cup previously for matches at Wembley Stadium and at Premier League grounds due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation.
‘This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition.’
This move could see clubs outside the top flight use the technology for the very first time.
The announcement comes ahead of the third round, which is set to played across five days from Thursday, January 9 to Monday, January 13.
There are several standout ties, including National League side Tamworth, who are the lowest-ranked team left in the competition, hosting Tottenham.
The FA say this is to ‘ensure that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs’
Meanwhile, Arsenal entertain Manchester United, while the Class of 92-backed Salford City will travel to Manchester City.
Lower league sides Peterborough, Morecambe and Bromley also face exciting trips to Premier League opposition in the form of Everton, Chelsea and Newcastle respectively.
United are the current holders of the competition after they beat arch-rivals City 2-1 in the final last season.
