The Carabao Cup Quarter-Finals: Will VAR Make an Appearance?

As the Carabao Cup reaches the quarter-final stage, football fans are eagerly anticipating the potential use of VAR (Video Assistant Referee).

Does the Carabao Cup Have VAR?

Starting from the semi-final stage and continuing through to the final, VAR will indeed be utilized in the Carabao Cup.

However, it will not be implemented in the earlier rounds leading up to the semi-finals this season.

In the 2018/19 season, VAR was introduced in the Carabao Cup. However, the EFL decided to remove the system last season due to its limited use only at Premier League venues.

This decision sparked controversy during the FA Cup when Manchester City was awarded a contentious penalty against Swansea, despite the Liberty Stadium having VAR installed.

What Decisions is VAR Used For?

The video assistant referee can be called upon for four crucial on-field incidents:

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

How Does VAR Work?

The video assistant referee collaborates with the on-pitch referee to provide information on calls. The VAR, who is stationed at Stockley Park for the matches, has access to all camera angles and goal-line technology cameras. Additionally, the VAR is accompanied by an assistant who assists in monitoring the game.