Major VAR change in force for Arsenal v Newcastle United's Carabao Cup semi-final

The EFL is set to roll out a new process for how VAR operates for the upcoming Carabao Cup semi-finals.

Arsenal take on Newcastle United on Tuesday night, with Tottenham facing Liverpool on Wednesday, with the second legs pencilled in for next month.

For the first time, the two matches of each tie will see the trialling of a new system that will allow officials to explain VAR decisions over the stadium's PA system.

Referees will announce a final decision following a visit to the pitchside monitor, or when concluding factual matters such as accidental handball by a goalscorer or any calls on offside.

Only the final decision will be announced in the stadium.

The pilot is the first time referees will explain decisions to supporters in the stadium for a match on these shores, although the measures have already been used in tournaments such as the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

An EFL statement posted earlier this month read: “VAR will be in place for this season’s Carabao Cup semi-finals, along with the first use of in-stadium VAR announcements in English football.

“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.”