FA announce major VAR rule change ahead of Manchester United vs Arsenal

The FA have announced a major change to the VAR rules as Manchester United look to their FA Cup away tie against Arsenal.

While much of Manchester United‘s focus has been on the Premier League and Europa League, head coach Rúben Amorim is eyeing the domestic cup competitions in the coming weeks.

United are set to face Tottenham in the Carabao Cup quarter-final at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday evening and will play Arsenal in North London in the FA Cup third round next month, on 12 January.

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With both ties being incredibly hard draws in comparison to who they could have played, it will be a big test for Amorim, who will no doubt want to win a trophy during his opening season as United boss.

United have not had the run of the mill with Video Assistant Referee (VAR) this season, with Rasmus Højlund not being awarded a penalty against Manchester City on the weekend yet another example of the technology failing to correct poor decisions on the pitch.

The FA’s VAR rule change

Previously, the FA have ruled that all FA Cup ties that take place either at a Premier League ground or at Wembley Stadium will have access to the technology, while those taking place at other grounds would not.

However, in a change of the rules, the FA have now confirmed that no FA Cup tie before the fifth round will have access to VAR. United, of course, are the current holders of the FA Cup, having beaten Man City in the 2024 final.

“Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will only be used in the 2024-25 Emirates FA Cup from the Fifth Round onwards,” a statement on the FA’s website read.

“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.”

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