FA make decision on VAR usage in 2024/25 FA Cup

Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will only be used in the 2024/25 Emirates FA Cup from the fifth round onwards.

The FA have confirmed the decision not to introduce VAR for the earlier rounds of the competition as they seek ‘a consistent refereeing approach’ throughout the tournament.

Previously, VAR has only been used in the FA Cup during matches at Wembley Stadium and Premier League grounds due to infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation.

To ensure the earlier rounds of the cup have consistent officiating, VAR will not be introduced until the fifth round in 2024/25. The third round draw includes several all-Premier League ties that will now not have VAR in operation, including Arsenal vs Manchester United and Aston Villa vs West Ham.

VAR will be utilised for every match in the fifth round onwards, including the final at Wembley Stadium.

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FA Cup third-round draw in full:

1 Southampton v Swansea City
2 Arsenal v Manchester United
3 Exeter City v Oxford United
4 Leyton Orient v Derby County
5 Reading v Burnley
6 Aston Villa v West Ham United
7 Norwich City v Brighton & Hove Albion
8 Manchester City v Salford City
9 Millwall v Dagenham & Redbridge
10 Liverpool v Accrington Stanley
11 Bristol City v Wolverhampton Wanderers
12 Preston North End v Charlton Athletic
13 Chelsea v Morecambe
14 Middlesbrough v Blackburn Rovers
15 AFC Bournemouth v West Bromwich Albion
16 Mansfield Town v Wigan Athletic
17 Tamworth v Tottenham Hotspur
18 Hull City v Doncaster Rovers
19 Sunderland v Stoke City
20 Leicester City v Queens Park Rangers
21 Brentford v Plymouth Argyle
22 Coventry City v Sheffield Wednesday
23 Newcastle United v Bromley
24 Everton v Peterborough United
25 Wycombe Wanderers v Portsmouth
26 Birmingham City v Lincoln City
27 Leeds United v Harrogate Town
28 Nottingham Forest v Luton Town
29 Sheffield United v Cardiff City
30 Ipswich Town v Bristol Rovers
31 Fulham v Watford
32 Crystal Palace v Stockport County

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