VAR in the FA Cup: How it works

VAR in the FA Cup is a contentious issue, with many claiming the way it is used compromises the sporting integrity of the competition.

Flashpoints are ultimately quite rare, but we have already had them this year and the system, as it is currently set up, means we can always expect more.

The FA has had to defend the way it uses VAR in the past, so what exactly is the situation?

How is VAR used in the FA Cup?

The short answer is that VAR is used wherever possible in the FA Cup. That obviously means that only some of the ties benefit from it.

For many, that has created a serious sporting imbalance between clubs and undermines the integrity of the whole competition. As far as the FA are concerned though, it's better that some benefit than none at all.

The problem is ultimately rooted in the old ‘magic of the cup.’ The FA Cup is famed for pitching minnows against giants, with every other size of club in between getting a chance to participate too.

However, as the chasm between the haves and the have-nots of English football has widened, so has the distribution of facilities.

In fact, the EFL opted against subscribing to VAR, believing it is too expensive for their member clubs to be able to afford, while England's top flight gave it the green light in 2019. That means that VAR is only installed at clubs that have been in the Premier League since the technology was introduced.

Yet, VAR is only available at FA Cup games hosted by clubs currently in the Premier League as England's oldest competition is not licensed to use the advanced system in every fixture. For instance, recently relegated Leeds United have the technology installed at Elland Road but will not be able to use it for their fourth-round tie against Plymouth Argyle as their Championship status robs them of a valid licence.

The FA have not applied to the International Football Association Board (IFAB) for full use given the width and breadth of clubs involved, citing "infrastructure, workforce and costs". Sixth-tier Maidstone United made it to the fourth round of the competition in 2024 but don't even have a grass pitch at the Gallagher Stadium, let alone the scope to easily instal all the equipment VAR demands.

As of the 2020/21 campaign, the FA sanctioned the use of VAR at any venue in the quarter-finals. It was already a given that the technology would be used in the semis and final as those matches take place at the well-equipped Wembley Stadium.

Why is FA Cup use of VAR controversial?

Competitions are supposed to be a level playing field for everyone as much as possible. All teams are supposed to have the same conditions in which they can compete.

Obviously giving some teams the benefit of VAR while others don’t have it creates a sporting imbalance.

Pep Guardiola's Manchester City side benefitted from a lack of VAR during a nervy cup victory over Swansea City in 2019 as Sergio Aguero scored a late winner for the visitors from an illegal position. Had the match been played at the Etihad Stadium rather than the home ground of Championship side Swansea, VAR would have ruled out the Argentine's goal.

"I'm sorry it was offside," Guardiola admitted after the match. "I don't understand why VAR is not used in this competition at this stage. Hopefully, next season this won't happen." Yet, the inconsistency remains.

In response to the public backlash, the FA released a statement in 2022 which read: "Video assistant referees provide match officials with additional support and should be utilised wherever possible. However, only Premier League stadiums are currently licensed to use VAR due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required."

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