The League Cup semifinals will feature the first use of in-stadium VAR announcements by referees in English football.
The trial is a collaboration between Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) and the EFL, which runs the competition. It will begin in Arsenal’s visit from Newcastle United in the opening leg of their League Cup duel on Jan. 7 and will be used the following day for the clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool.
The second legs are set for Feb. 5-6.
“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,” the EFL said in a statement released Monday.
It adds, “The new pilot forms part of PGMOL’s broader commitment to transparency and embracing technological advancements for the benefit of match officials and fans.”
Referee announcements to supporters inside stadiums have already been used at several FIFA events, including the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
PGMOL and the EFL have worked together to test potential changes to the game in the past. VAR was trialed in EFL competitions in 2018 before it was introduced in the Premier League. The Championship, League One, and League Two – tiers 2-4 in England run by the EFL – don’t use VAR.
