PA Media/dpa
London
Referees will make in-stadium announcements on the outcome of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) reviews in the semi-finals of this season’s League Cup, marking a first for English football.
The EFL confirmed on Monday that VAR will be in use for the competition’s two-leg semi-finals.
However, the most significant move will be a pilot allowing referees to announce the final outcome of VAR reviews to spectators in the stadium and viewers watching at home.
This will include decisions reviewed by the referee at the pitchside monitor, or upon the conclusion of factual matters such as accidental handball by a goalscorer or offside judgements.
In-stadium announcements have not been used in the English game before, and the most memorable recent example of this approach being trialled was at last year’s Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
“The new pilot forms part of PGMOL’s broader commitment to transparency and embracing technological advancements for the benefit of match officials and fans,” an EFL statement read.
