The Football Association have made a major change to their world-famous FA Cup ahead of next month's third round fixtures, which are penned in for the second week of January.
English football's governing body have made the decision to introduce Video Assistant Referees (VAR) from the fifth round of the competition onwards. In previous years of the competition, only matches at Wembley Stadium and Premier League grounds have used VAR, given the infrastructure and costs needed to implement it.
In an attempt to make matters fair, the FA say that they've made the decision so there's a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs at any stage of the competition.
A statement read: "Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will only be used in the 2024/2025 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 - owing 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."
Supporters from various clubs up and down the country have expressed their anger at the decision, claiming that VAR should be taken out of the competition altogether. The use of the technology has courted controversy in the Premier League since it's introduction back in 2019/2020.
In this season's competition, as the big boys prepare to enter, Arsenal will play Manchester United, while London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham will take on Morecambe and Tamworth respectively in the third round. Those games are due to take place next month - and will not feature VAR.