Manchester City’s FA Cup third-round tie against League Two side Salford City at the Etihad Stadium will not feature Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, as the Football Association has ruled that VAR will only be used from the fifth round onwards in the 2024/25 competition.
DETAILS:
The FA’s new officiating rule aims to create consistency for all teams competing in the same stage of the tournament. In previous seasons, VAR was utilized selectively, depending on the infrastructure available at Premier League grounds or Wembley Stadium.
However, this inconsistency led to debates about fairness, prompting the governing body to amend the rules starting January 2025.
For Pep Guardiola’s side, this change means their upcoming FA Cup match against Salford City will be officiated without the safety net of VAR. City will look to the FA Cup as a potential morale booster after a rough patch in their season, which includes an 11-match run with only one victory across all competitions.
The Premier League champions have struggled domestically and in Europe, slipping to 5th in the league table and a concerning 22nd in the UEFA Champions League standings.
RECALL:
In their Carabao Cup campaign earlier this season, City suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, starting a run of poor form that has extended into both league and European fixtures. With crucial matches against PSG and Club Brugge on the horizon, Guardiola’s men will look to use the FA Cup as a reset button.
QUOTES:
The Football Association’s statement: “This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition.”
On City’s form: “The FA Cup offers Manchester City an opportunity to refocus and regain momentum amid their challenging season,” an analyst noted.
CITATIONS:
1. The Football Association, Official Announcement.
2. Match Statistics from the Carabao Cup Fourth Round.
3. Manchester City’s Premier League and Champions League standings as of December 2024.
KEEP IN MIND:
No VAR Advantage: Without VAR, controversial decisions will be resolved solely by the on-field referee, adding an unpredictable element to the game.
Fixture Congestion: January will see City juggling FA Cup duties with high-stakes European fixtures against PSG and Club Brugge, alongside their relentless Premier League schedule.
Opposition Focus: While Salford City may be seen as underdogs, the absence of VAR and City’s inconsistent form could make for an intriguing clash.
The FA Cup opener presents an opportunity for Guardiola’s side to rebuild confidence, but they’ll need to navigate the match without the technological assistance they’re accustomed to.
