Referees to Announce VAR Decisions in Landmark Trial

Referees in the League Cup semi-finals will trial a new system by announcing VAR decisions to the crowd using the stadium PA system. The initiative promotes transparency and mirrors FIFA's recent trials, aiming to enhance the clarity of decision-making in football.

In a bid to enhance transparency in football, referees in the upcoming League Cup semi-finals will announce VAR decisions directly to the crowd. This trial, set to debut next week, will involve the use of stadium public address systems to convey the outcomes following visits to the pitchside monitor or determinations on crucial incidents like handball or offside.

The English Football League (EFL) has confirmed this trial as part of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited's (PGMOL) commitment to transparency aided by technology. This innovative approach has previously been tested in major tournaments like the Women's World Cup and the 2023 Club World Cup.

VAR, typically only used in the League Cup during semi-finals, will be part of both legs of the Arsenal versus Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur against Liverpool ties. Matches are scheduled at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 7 and 8, respectively.