FA Cup's VAR Revolution: Premier League Stadiums Forced to Switch Off Tech in Bold Move for Fairness
Paul Riverbank, 1/12/2025In a compelling move towards competitive equity, the FA Cup introduces a revised VAR implementation strategy. The decision to standardize VAR usage from the fifth round onwards, while suspending it in earlier rounds regardless of venue capability, marks a fascinating experiment in balancing technological advancement with sporting fairness.
In a significant shift that underscores the evolving nature of modern football, the Football Association has announced sweeping changes to Video Assistant Referee (VAR) implementation in this season's FA Cup — marking a departure from its previous approach that many criticized as inconsistent and potentially unfair.
The world's oldest football competition — steeped in tradition yet constantly adapting to modern demands — has utilized VAR since 2018, though its application has been notably uneven. Previously, the technology was only available at Premier League grounds and Wembley Stadium, creating what many observers — myself included — viewed as an unbalanced playing field.
The FA's mid-December announcement heralds a more equitable approach. "It has been agreed that VAR will be utilized for every match in the fifth round of the competition through to the final at Wembley Stadium, and will not be in operation for the third and fourth rounds," the governing body stated — a decision that merits careful consideration.
This revised strategy presents an intriguing paradox. While Premier League venues — equipped with permanent VAR installations — won't employ the technology during earlier rounds, the fifth round could see lower-division clubs experiencing VAR for the first time. It's a fascinating democratization of technology in football, though one that might present logistical challenges for smaller clubs.
The implications of this decision are far-reaching. Consider this weekend's high-profile clash between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium — a venue fully equipped with VAR technology that won't be permitted to use it. This scenario perfectly encapsulates the FA's commitment to competitive equality, even if it means temporarily abandoning available resources.
"This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition," the FA emphasized in their statement — a laudable goal, though one that raises questions about whether consistency at the expense of available technology truly serves the game's best interests.
As the tournament unfolds from January 9-13 for the third round, with the fourth round following in February, this new approach to VAR implementation will be closely watched. It represents a bold experiment in balancing technological advancement with sporting equity — a challenge that resonates far beyond the boundaries of English football.
The FA's decision reflects a broader tension in modern sport: the delicate balance between embracing technological innovation and maintaining competitive fairness. As lower-division clubs potentially prepare for their first VAR experience in the fifth round, this season's FA Cup might well serve as a fascinating case study in football's ongoing technological evolution.
