Revealed: Carabao Cup semi-finals will trial in-stadium VAR announcements by referees next week
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In-stadium VAR announcements will be trialled in next week's Carabao Cup. The trial will run over both legs of the upcoming semi-finals - where Arsenal, Newcastle, Liverpool and Tottenham will all be in action. It'll mark a first in English football, with referees set to announce the final VAR decision after taking a trip to the pitchside monitor or upon the conclusion of factual matters.
![[Referees will announce the final VAR decision after taking a trip to the pitchside monitor]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/30/15/93588089-14236497-image-a-27_1735570930922.jpg)
A full statement from the EFL read: 'VAR will be in place for this season’s Carabao Cup Semi-Finals, along with the first use of in-stadium VAR announcements in English football. '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.
'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.
In-stadium VAR announcements will be trialled in next week's Carabao Cup fixtures. Referees will announce the final VAR decision after taking a trip to the pitchside monitor. '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.
