Why isn't VAR being used in the FA Cup third round? Competition rules explained

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The FA Cup third round officially gets underway this evening, bringing with it the distinct possibility of historic giant-killings that fans live for. But as heavyweights from the Premier League enter the fray, many supporters are asking the same question: Where is VAR?

Despite being a staple of the modern game, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) is notably absent from this weekend's fixtures. The Football Association has confirmed that the technology will not be used in the third or fourth rounds of cup.

The reasoning is rooted in a desire for sporting integrity across the competition. In previous years, VAR was used in the early rounds - but only at Premier League stadiums where the technology was already installed.

This led to a "two-tier" refereeing system where a foul in one match might be overturned, while a similar incident in, say, a League Two stadium went unpunished. By removing the technology for these rounds, the FA has ensured a consistent refereeing approach for all 64 teams, regardless which ground they are playing in.

From the fifth round onwards, VAR will be operational for every single FA Cup tie. Semi-automated offsides will also be active from the fifth round but only at matches hosted in Premier League stadiums due to the complex infrastructure requirements.

Although VAR is taking a back seat for now, g oal-line technology (GLT) remains in play. The FA has confirmed that GLT will be operational from the third round onwards for all fixtures hosted by Premier League and EFL Championship clubs.

"Video Assistant Referees (VAR) and Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT) will not be utilised in the third and fourth rounds of the 2025-26 Emirates FA Cup," the FA announced in a statement on Friday.

"VAR and SAOT were not in operation until the fifth round last season, and this will continue to be the case during the current edition of the competition. VAR will be used for every tie from this season’s fifth round onwards, and this ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs in the third and fourth rounds.

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"SAOT will be active from the fifth round onwards at all matches taking place in Premier League stadiums, due to the technology and infrastructure that it requires. Goal-line technology will be operational from the third round onwards for all fixtures hosted by Premier League and EFL Championship clubs."

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