The FA has confirmed that VAR will only be implemented in this season’s FA Cup from the fifth round onwards.

It means Liverpool’s FA Cup third-round tie against Accrington Stanley on Saturday January 11 will not feature the technology, a rarity for a game involving the Reds.

In a statement on Monday afternoon, the FA confirmed the decision and said: “Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will only be used in the 2024-25 Emirates FA Cup from the Fifth Round onwards.

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“It has been agreed that VAR will be utilised for every match in the Fifth Round of the competition through to the Final at Wembley Stadium, and will not be in operation for the Third and Fourth Rounds.

“VAR has only been used in the Emirates FA Cup previously for matches at Wembley Stadium and at Premier League grounds due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation.

“This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition.”

The decision to previously only use VAR at Premier League grounds drew criticism given the imbalance and lack of consistency across the various FA Cup ties. VAR is also only used in the Carabao Cup final, and is not utilized in previous rounds.

Meanwhile, Liverpool’s clash against Accrington is one of the standout ties of the third-round draw. The sides may be located less than 50 miles apart, but have only met once in their history, with Liverpool winning an FA Cup tie in 1956 courtesy of a Billy Liddell brace.

Before then, Arne Slot’s side faces Southampton in a Carabao Cup quarter-final on Wednesday night, before Premier League matches against Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester City, West Ham United and Manchester United.

Elsewhere in the FA Cup third round, Manchester City hosts Class of ‘92-backed Salford City, while Tamworth welcomes Premier League giants Tottenham and Bromley travels to Newcastle United. Arsenal v Manchester United, Leeds United v Harrogate Town and Aston Villa v West Ham are also among the highlights of the upcoming FA Cup fixtures.

Liverpool is aiming to reclaim its crown after crashing out in the quarter-final stages last season, following a memorable - yet painful - 4-3 defeat at Old Trafford. The Reds last won the trophy in 2022, beating Chelsea on penalties in the Wembley final.