Referees will provide explanation for VAR decisions to stadium crowd in what will be a trial measure set to be used in the semi-final of the League Cup next week, according to the English Football League (EFL).
As part of the trial, referees will make use of the stadium’s public address system to announce their final decision once a visit to the VAR pitchside monitor is concluded, or after decisions made on situations like accidental handball by a goalscorer or offside decisions.
“The new pilot forms part of PGMOL’s broader commitment to transparency and embracing technological advancements for the benefit of Match Officials and fans,” the EFL said in a statement.
In-stadium VAR announcements have already been made in trial scenarios at FIFA competitions including the Women’s World Cup, a year ago and also at the 2023 Club World Cup.
VAR is only used in the League Cup at the semi-final stage of the competition, and the trial will cover both legs of the Arsenal versus Newcastle United game and Tottenham Hotspur against Liverpool ties.
The first-leg matches take place at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium on 7th January and at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium the following day.
