Why is there no VAR in the FA Cup fourth round?

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The FA Cup continues this weekend with the fourth round of the old competition.

But fans of sides in the English top tier will notice a difference in their fixtures, with the video assistant referee (VAR) system not in use.

Introduced to the Premier League in the 2019/20 season, protracted reviews and VAR decisions have become commonplace within fixtures in the division.

English football’s flagship club competition has previously only had VAR in operation at fixtures hosted at Premier League grounds or Wembley due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation.

But the organisers of the FA Cup have confirmed a different approach in this edition of the tournament.

The extra officials and accompanying technology will only be in place from the fifth round onwards, meaning that all games in rounds three and four will have no VAR regardless of the venue at which they are hosted.

The FA said in a statement: “This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition.”

Leicester were left frustrated at the end of their Cup tie with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Friday night, after Harry Maguire scored a winning goal from an offside position which would have been chalked off in the Premier League, but which was allowed to stand due to the FA’s rules.

FA Cup remaining round dates

Fourth Round Proper: Saturday 8 February 2025

Fifth Round Proper: Saturday 1 March 2025

Quarter Final: Saturday 29 March 2025

Semi Final - Saturday 26 April 2025

Final: Saturday 17 May 2025