FA Cup 2025: VAR Missing & Controversy Explained
The absence of VAR in the early rounds of the FA Cup 2025 has sparked significant controversy, particularly following Manchester United's controversial offside winner against Leicester. Discover why VAR is missing, how goal-line technology is utilized, and the implications for the tournament.
2/10/20253 min read
FA Cup & VAR Controversy: Why It’s Missing in Early Rounds ⚽🤔
Introduction: VAR Debate Heats Up in FA Cup 🔥
The FA Cup is known for its drama, upsets, and historic moments, but one major talking point this season is the absence of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) in the fourth-round matches. After Manchester United’s controversial late winner against Leicester City, football fans and managers are questioning why VAR is not in use in all FA Cup rounds.
In this article, we’ll break down:
✅ Why VAR is missing in early FA Cup rounds
✅ How this decision has led to controversy
✅ The role of goal-line technology in the competition
✅ What to expect in future rounds
Why Is VAR Missing in Early FA Cup Rounds? 🤷♂️
FA's Official Statement 📜
The Football Association (FA) confirmed that VAR will only be used from the fifth round onwards. The reason? Maintaining consistency across all matches.
👉 FA's explanation:
"This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition."
The Real Reason: Costs & Infrastructure 💰🏟️
🔹 VAR requires multiple high-quality cameras at different angles.
🔹 Many lower-league stadiums lack the necessary setup for VAR.
🔹 The FA did not want an unfair advantage for Premier League teams playing at home with VAR while lower-league clubs did not have access to it.
👀 Interesting Fact: VAR was previously used in FA Cup games hosted at Premier League grounds. However, this season, the FA decided to remove it altogether in early rounds to ensure fairness—though not everyone agrees with this logic.
Manchester United vs Leicester City: The Controversy 🤯
The VAR debate exploded after Manchester United's dramatic stoppage-time winner against Leicester City.
⚽ What happened?
🔹 Harry Maguire scored a header in injury time.
🔹 Multiple United players appeared offside in the buildup.
🔹 Without VAR, the referee allowed the goal to stand.
🗣️ Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy:
“It’s unacceptable. You prepare all week, fight hard, and then a clear and obvious mistake costs you the game.”
Even United’s head coach Ruben Amorim admitted:
“With VAR, it’s not a goal. We got lucky.”
😡 Fans’ Reaction: Many believe FA Cup games should have VAR to avoid such controversies, especially in high-stakes knockout matches.
Goal-Line Technology: A Different Story 🧐
While VAR is missing, goal-line technology (GLT) is being used in the FA Cup—but only at Premier League and Championship stadiums.
⚠️ Example of Goal-Line Tech Controversy:
During Birmingham vs Newcastle, Newcastle’s equalizer was given without goal-line technology because Birmingham (a League One club) doesn’t have it.
🎥 What happened?
🔹 Joe Willock’s shot was ruled a goal by the assistant referee.
🔹 Replays were inconclusive—the ball may not have fully crossed the line.
🔹 Newcastle went on to win 3-2, leaving Birmingham furious.
🔍 Why the inconsistency?
✅ GLT is automatic and does not require human judgment like VAR.
✅ It’s already installed in top-tier stadiums but too expensive for lower-league clubs.
Will VAR Be Used in Later Rounds? 🔜
Yes! VAR returns from the fifth round onwards—but should it be introduced earlier? Many argue that a "half-VAR system" (for major incidents like offside and penalties) could be a fair compromise for early FA Cup rounds.
🔮 Possible solutions for the future:
✔️ Using limited VAR reviews for key moments (offside, penalties).
✔️ Installing affordable VAR systems in lower-league stadiums.
✔️ Keeping goal-line technology mandatory at all FA Cup games.
Final Thoughts: Does FA Cup Need Full VAR? 🤔
https://www.kingcrossbarr.com/was-the-fa-cup-better-without-var-fans-react
⚽ The FA Cup is one of the world's most historic football tournaments. While cost and infrastructure are valid concerns, the recent controversies show that fairness is at stake.
💭 What do you think? Should VAR be introduced from the third round itself? Share your thoughts in the comments section below! 👇
✅ FA Cup VAR
✅ Why no VAR in FA Cup?
✅ FA Cup controversies 2025
✅ Goal-line technology in FA Cup
✅ Manchester United vs Leicester FA Cup VAR