Carabao Cup: VAR decisions to be announced by referees in stadiums during semi-finals as part of trial
Published 30/12/2024 at 17:47 GMT
In a first for English football, there will be in-stadium VAR announcements during the Carabao Cup semi-finals. The move has been made as part of the PGMOL's "commitment to transparency". Arsenal take on Newcastle United for a spot in March's final, while Tottenham lock horns with Liverpool. The semi-final ties between the four Premier League clubs begin in January before concluding in February.
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On-field referees will announce decisions made by the video assistant referee (VAR) to fans in the stadiums during the upcoming Carabao Cup semi-finals.
It is the first time such announcements will be made in English football as part of a trial period, which covers both legs in semi-final ties between Arsenal and Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool.
The PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) has explained that the move is part of its "commitment to transparency".
"As part of the trial, referees will announce [over the stadium public address system] the final decision following a visit to the VAR pitchside monitor, or upon the conclusion of factual matters such as accidental handball by a goalscorer or offside judgements. Only the final decision will be announced in the stadium," a statement read.
"In-stadium VAR announcements have already been successfully introduced in several FIFA events, including the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and aim to provide greater clarity and understanding around key decisions to supporters in the stadiums and those watching from home.
"The new pilot forms part of PGMOL’s broader commitment to transparency and embracing technological advancements for the benefit of match officials and fans. This latest pilot has the support of the EFL and follows earlier collaboration with PGMOL in 2018 to trial VAR in EFL competitions ahead of its introduction in the Premier League."
Last summer, the Premier League revealed that VAR announcements would begin to take place in stadiums at some time during the 2024/25 campaign.
VAR has not been used in the competition up until this point and will be active from the semi-finals.
Arsenal are searching for their first League Cup success since 1993, while The Gunners' opponents Newcastle are looking to avenge their 2023 final defeat to Manchester United.
Liverpool will look to continue their relentless start to the season under Arne Slot, but their semi-final opponents, Tottenham, will be desperate to end their 16-year wait for a trophy.
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The Carabao Cup semi-final first legs take place on January 7 and 8, while the return legs will be contested on February 5 and 6.
All semi-final ties will be played at the club's stadiums, before the final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, March 16.
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