Need to know
Everything you need to know about the FA Cup fifth-round rules ahead of Wrexham vs Chelsea at the Racecourse Ground
Ollie Palmer #9 of Wrexham AFC blocks the shot of Benoit Badiashile #5 of Chelsea FC during the first half of a preseason friendly at Levi's Stadium on July 24, 2024 in Santa Clara, California.
Wrexham and Chelsea meet in competitive action after previous pre-season clashes(Image: Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images)
Here's what you need to know about the FA Cup rules for Wrexham vs Chelsea
Who, when, where and what time: Wrexham are set to take on Chelsea in a fifth-round FA Cup tie. The match is scheduled for Saturday, March 7 at the Racecourse Ground, with a 5:45pm kick-off.
Is VAR in place?: VAR will be fully operational for this fifth-round clash, aiding the on-pitch officials in identifying clear and obvious errors. Despite the FA previously restricting technology use in earlier rounds, the fifth round sees the system employed across all grounds.
Extra time and penalty procedures: If the match ends in a draw after 90 minutes, it will proceed to 30 minutes of extra time. If the teams are still level after this additional period, a penalty shootout will immediately follow to decide who advances to the quarter-finals.
Scrapping of replays: The choice to eliminate replays was implemented from the first round proper in the 2024/25 season. This means the match must be decided on the night, as the traditional replay format was abandoned to ease fixture congestion for clubs participating in Europe.
Substitution rules and windows: Managers are allowed to list nine players on the bench and make up to five substitutions during regular time. These changes must occur within three distinct opportunities, with half-time not considered one of these, and if the match extends into extra-time, both teams are allowed an extra substitution.
The new eight-second goalkeeper rule: A notable trial rule for the 2025/26 season limits goalkeepers to holding the ball for no more than eight seconds. Should a keeper exceed this limit, the referee will award a corner kick to the opposing team instead of the usual indirect free-kick. Officials will provide a visible hand-signal countdown for the final five seconds.
UK television and streaming: The match will be shown live in the United Kingdom on TNT Sports 2 and BBC One, with coverage commencing well before the 5:45pm kick-off. TNT subscribers can also stream the game via the discovery+ app, which is currently the main digital platform for their content on the go.
UK radio and audio coverage: For those unable to watch, national radio commentary will be provided by BBC Radio 5 Live and talkSPORT. Additionally, BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Shropshire will provide dedicated local coverage.
Latest team news and injuries: Key midfielder Ben Sheaf is out for the remainder of Wrexham's season with a medial ligament injury sustained against Ipswich. Marc Cucurella could return for Chelsea, with Romeo Lavia and Reece James also in contention. Levi Colwill remains out with Mykhaylo Mudryk also unavailable.
Watch the FA Cup on TNT Sports
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
Content Image