The magic of the FA Cup third round returns this weekend, promising potential giant-killings and unforgettable drama. However, fans tuning in will notice a significant absence from the modern game: the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
FA's Decision for Fairness and Consistency
The Football Association (FA) has confirmed that VAR, along with semi-automated offside technology (SAOT), will not be used during the third and fourth rounds of the 2025-26 Emirates FA Cup. This decision, announced in a statement on Friday, 9th January 2026, is rooted in a commitment to sporting integrity across the entire competition.
In previous seasons, VAR was deployed in early rounds but only at stadiums, typically Premier League grounds, where the technology was permanently installed. This created an inconsistent "two-tier" refereeing system, where crucial decisions could be reviewed in one match but not in another played at a lower-league venue.
By suspending the technology for these stages, the FA ensures a uniform experience for all 64 competing teams, whether they play at a Premier League giant's home or a League Two club's ground. The governing body stated this approach "ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs in the third and fourth rounds."
When Will Technology Return to the Cup?
VAR will be reintroduced from the fifth round onwards and will be operational for every single tie. The more complex semi-automated offside system will also be activated from the fifth round, but only for matches hosted in Premier League stadiums due to its specific infrastructure requirements.
One piece of technology that remains in play is goal-line technology (GLT). The FA has confirmed that GLT will be used from the third round onwards for all fixtures hosted by Premier League and EFL Championship clubs.
Back to Basics for the World's Oldest Cup
For the upcoming weekend's fixtures, managers, players, and supporters must rely on the on-field officials' decisions. This temporary return to a more traditional form of refereeing is seen by many purists as a welcome revival of the raw, uninterrupted emotion that defines the world's oldest national football competition.
As the third round kicks off, the focus will be squarely on the pitch, where the drama unfolds in real-time, free from the lengthy delays often associated with video reviews.
