The FA has confirmed that VAR and Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT) will be completely absent from the FA Cup clash between Hull City and Chelsea.
Chelsea are straight back into action after their draw with Leeds United on Tuesday evening in the Premier League, with the return of FA Cup action.
Liam Rosenior faces a trip to his old hunting ground at Hull City. A club that he holds close to his heart from his playing days, managerial days and days as a kid growing up.
One decision that Rosenior has already seemingly made ahead of the tie is to throw Mamadou Sarr into the mix for his first minutes after returning from his loan spell at Strasbourg.
It’ll be a flashback to what some would say were better times for the FA Cup fourth round clash, as VAR won’t be in the picture.
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Why VAR won’t be used in the FA Cup Fourth Round
As was the case in the FA Cup Third Round, there will be no VAR in the entirety of the fourth round, regardless of whether a Premier League team is at home.
The FA confirmed this on their website.
‘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.’
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