Referees to Announce VAR Decisions to Fans in Carabao Cup Semi-Finals

The trial aims to enhance transparency by broadcasting VAR outcomes via stadium public address systems for the first time in England.

The English Football League (EFL) will trial in-stadium announcements of VAR decisions during the Carabao Cup semi-finals in January 2024.
Referees will use the stadium public address system to explain final decisions after VAR reviews, focusing on factual rulings such as handball or offside incidents.
This initiative follows the successful use of in-stadium VAR announcements at the 2023 Women’s World Cup and other FIFA tournaments.
The trial will cover both legs of the semi-final matches: Arsenal vs. Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur vs. Liverpool.
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) and EFL aim to improve transparency and fan understanding of key decisions through this pilot program.