The bizarre rule why two different VAR systems will be used for the FA Cup fifth round ties… with fans criticising FA for ‘unfair’ move

Fans have been confused by the use of two different VAR systems for this week’s FA Cup fifth round ties.

Premier League heavyweights Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle, Manchester City and Chelsea are all taking part in the fifth round.

Non-league Maidstone had their fairytale run ended by Championship side Coventry on Monday night after Mark Robin’s men booked their place in the quarter-finals with a 5-0 win.

But VAR will only be in use at Premier League grounds for FA Cup fifth round ties due to licencing rules.

VAR was not in use at the FA Cup tie between Blackburn and Newcastle on Tuesday night

VAR was only in use at Premier League grounds for fifth round ties due to licencing rules

The prestigious competition has used VAR since 2018, when it was used in a trial format.

However, it has only been used at Premier League grounds as the FA has never applied to the International Football Association Board (Ifab) for full use across all fixtures.

It would be complicated and expensive to install VAR at some EFL and non-league league grounds, meaning it wouldn’t be a worthy investment for a one off tie.

With just Premier League grounds allowed to use VAR, Bournemouth, Luton, Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, Wolves and Liverpool will all have it in use for their FA Cup fifth round ties.

But the two games hosted by Championship sides – Coventry and Blackburn – will not have the technology available.

The FA has been criticised for creating an imbalance in sporting standards in the competition.