The Football Association (FA) in England has made some changes to the use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the 2024/25 FA Cup season, the body announced on Monday.
The FA revealed that the VAR technology will now be used in every match from the fifth round of the 2024-25 FA Cup season and onwards.
VAR was formerly adopted for just the competition’s final at Wembley Stadium and matches played at Premier League stadiums.
The FA added that the third and fourth rounds of the competition will not make use of the technology.
“This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition,” the FA statement added.
Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will only be used in the 2024-25 Emirates FA Cup from the Fifth Round onwards.
This ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition.
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) December 16, 2024
The third round of the 2024-25 FA Cup season will begin on Thursday, 9 January 2025, with holders Manchester United pitted against record winners Arsenal in the round’s biggest draw.