The FA announce when VAR will AND won’t be used in this season’s FA Cup

The FA have confirmed when VAR will and won’t be used in the FA Cup this season.

In addition, the competition organisers explaining what is happened with Semi-Automated Offside and Goal-line technology as well.

In this season’s FA Cup, Video Assistant Referees (VAR) and Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT) will not be utilised in the third and fourth rounds, VAR and SAOT were not in operation until the FA Cup fifth round last season and this be the case once more.

The FA explaining: ‘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.’

Meawhile, Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT) will be in use from the fifth round onwards at all matches taking place in Premier League stadiums, this is due to the technology and infrastructure that it requires.

As for Goal-line technology, this is in use from the third round onwards for all fixtures hosted by Premier League and Championship clubs.

If you are going to the Newcastle v Bournemouth match today at St James’ Park, or indeed going to any FA Cup third round match, a remind as well that if the scores are level after the 90 minutes (plus added time), there will then be 30 minutes extra time. If still nobody wins at the end of extra time, it will be penalties.