Video Assistant Referees (VAR) and Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT) will not be utilised in the third and fourth rounds of the 2025-26 Emirates FA Cup.
VAR and SAOT were not in operation until the fifth round last season, and this will continue to be the case during the current edition of the competition.
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.
SAOT will be active from the fifth round onwards at all matches taking place in Premier League stadiums, due to the technology and infrastructure that it requires.
Goal-line technology will be operational from the third round onwards for all fixtures hosted by Premier League and EFL Championship clubs.
