The Football Association has unveiled a major update for the 2024-25 Emirates FA Cup, confirming that Video Assistant Referees will be used from the Fifth Round onwards.
This decision, announced in a press release on Monday titled ‘VAR Confirmed for Emirates FA Cup from Fifth Round Onward’, aims to ensure consistent refereeing during the competition’s latter stages.
The FA emphasized, “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.” However, it clarified that VAR “will not be in operation for the Third and Fourth Rounds.”
This development addresses longstanding concerns about the sporadic use of VAR in previous editions of the FA Cup.
Historically, VAR was only deployed at Premier League grounds and Wembley Stadium, primarily due to the infrastructure, personnel, and costs associated with its use.
By implementing VAR consistently from the Fifth Round, the FA hopes to balance fairness and accessibility.
The press release underscored this objective, stating, “This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition.”
As the FA Cup progresses to its decisive stages, players and fans can anticipate greater fairness and accuracy in officiating, with VAR playing a pivotal role in key moments.
Background: VAR in Football
Pioneered at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia—where 335 incidents were reviewed—VAR has since become a fixture in top leagues across Europe. In England, Premier League clubs voted in 2018 to implement VAR starting in the 2019/20 season, targeting “clear and obvious errors” or “serious missed incidents” in key situations.
Despite its goal to deliver “more correct and fairer judgements,” the Premier League acknowledged the system could not guarantee 100% accuracy. Ongoing controversies, including debates in November 2023, prompted a review of its application.
In June 2024, ahead of the 2024/25 season, Premier League clubs voted to retain VAR while committing to enhancements for the benefit of players and fans alike.
