Why VAR Is Not Being Used in the FA Cup Third Round

• The 2024/25 FA Cup third round will not feature VAR.
• Technology will only be introduced from the fifth round onwards.
• Decision aims to create consistency and fairness across fixtures.

Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology has been a hot topic in football and its selective usage in the FA Cup continues to spark debate. While VAR has been a part of the competition since the 2017/18 season, it has been removed from the third and fourth rounds in the 2024/25 campaign, prompting renewed discussions.

Why Is VAR Not Being Used in the Third Round?

The Football Association (FA) has made changes to how VAR is implemented in this season’s FA Cup. Unlike in previous years, the technology will now only be introduced from the fifth round onwards, regardless of the venue.

Previously, VAR was utilized during the third and fourth rounds, but only at Premier League stadiums that already had the necessary infrastructure in place. While this approach was practical, it created an imbalance as some matches within the same round were subject to different rules.

The FA has decided to delay the use of VAR until the fifth round to ensure uniformity and fairness across all fixtures in the competition.

The FA’s Statement on VAR Changes

In a statement explaining the decision, the FA clarified:

“It has been agreed that VAR will be utilized 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.”

When Is VAR Used in Matches?

VAR is not designed to intervene in every decision. Its purpose is to prevent clear and obvious errors made by the on-field referee, but it is limited to specific scenarios.

The four key situations where VAR can intervene are:

1. Goal or no goal
2. Penalty or no penalty
3. Direct red card incidents (excluding second yellow cards)
4. Cases of mistaken identity (e.g., sending off the wrong player)

For these situations, the on-field referee makes the initial decision, often in consultation with their assistants. VAR will then step in if a potential mistake is identified. However, the final decision remains with the on-field referee, who can review the evidence on a pitch-side monitor.

The Future of VAR in the FA Cup

From the fifth round onwards in the 2024/25 campaign, VAR will be used consistently across all fixtures, regardless of the stadium. This shift ensures all teams compete under the same refereeing conditions during the latter stages of the competition.

While the removal of VAR in the third round may frustrate some fans and clubs, it is a move aimed at creating a level playing field for all participants in the earlier stages of England’s oldest cup competition.