THE FA Cup fourth round is underway with some blockbuster ties taking place.
But how does the video assistant referee system work with the lower league clubs, and when is it being used from?
2
Last season, Manchester United won the FA Cup by defeating local rivals Manchester City 2-1 at Wembley.
However, manager Erik ten Hag was sacked later in the year in October after earning a reprieve by winning the cup.
On the way to reaching the final, United received an almighty VAR call in their favour in their semi-final victory over Coventry City.
This time around, United are eyeing back-to-back FA Cup triumphs, and their defence got off to a perfect start after overcoming Arsenal on penalties in the third round.
The Red Devils face Leicester in the fourth round – but will the video assistant referee (VAR) be used in the match?
2
Is VAR used in the FA Cup 4th round?
No. VAR will not be used in the FA Cup until the fifth round stage.
Previously, VAR was used in the FA Cup in the third and fourth rounds, but only at Premier League stadiums due to “due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation.”
The FA said in a statement: “Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will only be used in the 2024-25 Emirates FA Cup from the Fifth Round onwards.
“It has been agreed that VAR will be utilised 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.
“VAR has only been used in the Emirates FA Cup previously for matches at Wembley Stadium and at Premier League grounds due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation.
“This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition.”
What FA Cup fourth round games are on TV?
Friday, February 7
- Manchester United vs Leicester City – 8pm – ITV1 / ITVX
Saturday, February 8
- Leyton Orient vs Man City – 12.15pm – BBC1 / iPlayer
- Leeds United vs Millwall – 12.15pm – not televised
- Coventry City vs Ipswich Town – 3pm – not televised
- Preston North End vs Wycombe Wanderers – 3pm – not televised
- Stoke City vs Cardiff City – 3pm – not televised
- Southampton vs Burnley – 3pm – not televised
- Everton vs Bournemouth – 3pm – not televised
- Wigan Athletic vs Fulham – 3pm – not televised
- Birmingham City vs Newcastle United – 5.45pm – BBC1 / iPlayer
- Brighton & Hove Albion vs Chelsea – 8pm – ITV4 / ITVX
Sunday, February 9
- Blackburn Rovers vs Wolverhampton Wanderers – 12.30pm – BBC Red Button / iPlayer
- Plymouth Argyle vs Liverpool – 3pm – ITV1 / ITVX
- Aston Villa vs Tottenham Hotspur – 5.35pm – BBC1 / iPlayer
Monday, February 10
- Doncaster Rovers vs Crystal Palace – 7.45pm – BBC Red Button / Player
Tuesday, February 11
- Exeter City vs Nottingham Forest – 8pm – ITV1 / ITVX
