New VAR rules announced for Tottenham v Liverpool Carabao Cup semi-final in big change

The EFL has introduced a fresh approach to the VAR system during this week's Carabao Cup semi-finals. Arsenal lost to Newcastle United on Tuesday evening, while Tottenham will take on Liverpool on Wednesday, with the return legs scheduled for the following month.

For the first time in English football, this pair of fixtures will trial a new protocol that permits officials to communicate VAR decisions through the stadium's public address system. Referees will make an announcement after reviewing the pitchside monitor or resolving factual situations such as accidental handball by a goalscorer or offside rulings.

Only the final decision will be broadcast within the stadium. This pilot marks the inaugural occasion where referees will directly explain their decisions to fans present at the game in England, although similar practices have been adopted in competitions like the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

An earlier statement from the EFL announced: "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."

It further detailed, "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."