Why VAR is not being used in every FA Cup third round game

VAR will be used this weekend for the first time in the FA Cup this season, but not in every game.

The Premier League hasn't been short of controversial decisions made by VAR this season, and as top flight sides enter the FA Cup for the first time this weekend so does the technology.

It isn't a new thing, with VAR being used in the competition since 2018, but the fact it isn't operating in every tie has been criticised by many.

Due to licensing rules, video technology will only be used in ties that are being played at Premier League grounds, as per The Independent.

It would be complicated to install VAR at some EFL and non-league grounds and wouldn't be worthy of the investment for a one off tie.

Even at grounds of former top flight sides where technology has been implemented in the past, VAR will not be used.

The third round kicked off on Thursday with an all Premier League tie between Crystal Palace and Everton at Selhurst Park.

The matched finished 0-0 and was overshadowed by a huge decision which saw striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin sent off for a high foot on Nathaniel Clyne.

Referee Craig Pawson who originally allowed play to go on was urged by VAR to review the decision and showed a straight red to the Everton striker.

Had the game not been at a Premier League ground, VAR wouldn't have been able to intervene raising the question of an imbalance in the way the rules are implemented.

The FA responded to complaints about this last season, saying: "Video assistant referees provide match officials with additional support and should be utilised wherever possible.

"However, only Premier League stadiums are currently licensed to use VAR due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required."