'Good news' - VAR to undergo revolutionary trial during Carabao Cup semi-finals

It will be the first time officials have done so in English football since VAR was introduced.

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) have confirmed the practice for next month's first legs.

Decisions will be announced to spectators after any visit to the pitch-side VAR monitors.

The approach is similar to methods already being used in cricket and rugby.

Officials have been preparing for the introduction of the announcements for some time at training camps and in match-related exercises.

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In a statement, the PGMOL said: "In-stadium VAR announcements will be trialled in the Carabao Cup semi-finals which start next week.

"A first in English football, referees will announce the final decision following a visit to the VAR pitch-side monitor or upon the conclusion of factual matters such as accidental handball by a goalscorer or offside offences where the attacker touches the ball.

"The trial, which forms part of our broader commitment to transparency including providing greater clarity and understanding around key decisions, will run over both legs of the Arsenal v Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool ties."

Next week sees the first legs of the semi-finals as Arsenal host Newcastle and Liverpool travel to Tottenham.

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The reverse fixtures will then take place in February ahead of the final at Wembley Stadium the following month.

VAR has been used in the Carabao Cup since the 2018/19 season, having initially been introduced as part of testing for the Premier League's rollout of the technology.

Meanwhile, it follows another update to the use of VAR in this season's FA Cup.

The competition will see VAR used at all grounds from the fifth round onwards this term.

It had previously only been in operation at Premier League stadiums prior to the semi-final stage.

Reacting to the news, talkSPORT columnist Henry Winter said: "Good news.

"Significant development. This is about humanising the decision-making process and showing respect to match-going fans as they do in cricket and rugby."

Until now, the EFL has only used the review system in the League Cup semi-finals and finals, in addition to its play-off finals, but this could also be about to change.

According to The Times, the governing body is considering a low-cost VAR alternative for English football's second to fourth tiers.