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VAR-ABAO CUP

EFL Carabao Cup VAR rules: Will League Cup use Video Assistant Referee this season?

The Carabao Cup has reached the quarter-final stage, and fans are wondering if VAR will make an appearance.

The video referee system has proved controversial in the Premier League so far this season once again.

 VAR has become a regular feature in English football
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VAR has become a regular feature in English footballCredit: PA:Press Association

Does the Carabao Cup have VAR?

From the semi-final stage up to the final, VAR WILL be used in the Carabao Cup.

But it will NOT be used in rounds up to the semi-finals this season.

VAR was used in the Carabao Cup in 2018/19 but the EFL opted to get rid of the system last season on the grounds that it was only being used at Premier League venues.

This caused particular controversy in the FA Cup when Man City were given a controversial penalty at Swansea and no VAR was allowed to be used even though the Liberty Stadium had the system installed.

What decisions is VAR used for?

THE video assistant referee can be called upon for four key on-field incidents. 

These are:

  • Awarding goals
  • Penalty decisions
  • Red card decisions
  • Cases of mistaken identity

How does VAR work?

THE video assistant referee will liaise with the on-pitch referee to relay information on calls.

The video assistant referee - a top official who will be based at Stockley Park for the matches - has access to every camera angle and goal-line technology cameras.

The VAR also has an assistant watching the game with them.

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