The FA has stated that Reading will not be using a video assistant referee [VAR] in any of their upcoming FA Cup matches until at least Round Five.

The Royals, who have been in Round One for the last two years, defeated Fleetwood Town and Harborough Town to play Burnley in the Third Round in January at the SCL Stadium.

VAR has been used at all Premier League stadiums since Round Three in prior years. In January 2023, Manchester United notably had a goal against Paul Ince’s Reading at Old Trafford disallowed.

The FA confirmed the news on Monday, stating that the prohibition of VAR in all venues until the Fifth Round ‘ensures that there is a consistent refereeing methodology for all clubs taking part.’

From the competition’s Fifth Round until the Final at Wembley Stadium, VAR will be used in every game.

Only Wembley Stadium and Premier League venues have used it in the Emirates FA Cup in the past because of the “infrastructure, workforce, and costs that are required for its operation.”

The Premier League and European competitions are the only leagues that now use VAR; the EFL has not yet adopted the system.