Referees will make in-stadium announcements on the outcome of video reviews in the semifinals of this season’s English League Cup.

In-stadium video assistant referee (VAR) announcements will be trialled in English football for the first time during January’s Carabao Cup semi-finals. The trial will take place across both legs of the ties between Arsenal and Newcastle United,

Referees will explain VAR decisions to the crowd in a trial measure to be implemented in the League Cup semi-final matches next week, the English Football League (EFL) said on Monday.

The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup has already experienced the use of in-stadium VAR, and its trial for the Carabao Cup semifinals is a part of PGMOL’s commitment to embracing technological advancements for the benefit of fans and Match Officials.

Referees in the League Cup semi-finals will trial a new system by announcing VAR decisions to the crowd using the stadium PA system. The initiative promotes transparency and mirrors FIFA's recent trials,

In-stadium announcements of video assistant referee decisions will be used in England for the first time in the Carabao Cup semi-finals – months after their Premier League rollout was scrapped amid opposition from club managers.

For the first time, referees in England will announce any video assistant referee (VAR) decisions to fans inside stadiums during the Carabao Cup semi-finals.