The EFL has decided to extend its trial of in-stadium VAR announcements, with the system set to be used at the Carabao Cup Final at Wembley next month. This continuation follows its initial implementation during the semi-final ties featuring Liverpool, Spurs, Arsenal, and Newcastle. While some view the announcements as a step towards greater transparency, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has expressed concerns about their impact on referees and the overall match experience.
Slot believes these public explanations, while potentially useful for fans, could place additional pressure on officials. After Liverpool’s semi-final match against Tottenham, he questioned whether this approach truly benefits the game. He pointed out that referees already operate under intense scrutiny and suggested that making them address the crowd after every major decision might increase the risk of criticism and abuse. His comments reflect a broader debate within football about how to balance transparency with the need to protect officials from undue pressure.
VAR announcements have already been tested at the Club World Cup and Under-20 World Cup, and they made their debut at a major tournament during the 2023 Women’s World Cup. FIFA plans to implement them again at this summer’s Club World Cup, signaling a broader shift towards making refereeing decisions more accessible to spectators. However, their use in the Carabao Cup semi-finals raised questions about consistency, particularly during Liverpool’s first-leg loss to Tottenham.
One of the most talked-about moments came when referee Stuart Attwell used the system to explain why Dominic Solanke’s goal was ruled out for offside. However, later in the game, Lucas Bergvall avoided a second yellow card despite a controversial late challenge. With no explanation given for that decision, fans were left confused, highlighting inconsistencies in how and when VAR announcements are used. The Swedish midfielder then went on to score the winning goal, adding to Liverpool’s frustration.
After the match, Slot shared his reservations about the system, explaining that while it might enhance the experience for fans who lack access to live replays, it could also create unnecessary complications for referees. He speculated that if an official explained a decision that went against the home team, it might escalate tensions in the stadium and influence future calls. While acknowledging that fans appreciate real-time explanations, he remained unconvinced that the benefits outweigh the potential downsides.
With the Carabao Cup Final fast approaching, Liverpool and Newcastle are preparing for what promises to be a fiercely contested showdown at Wembley. Both clubs are eager to lift their first trophy of the season, and the stakes are high. As the EFL continues to experiment with VAR announcements, all eyes will be on how the system impacts the flow and fairness of the final. The debate over its effectiveness is far from settled, but one thing is clear—Liverpool’s manager and players will be hoping that officiating decisions remain as clear and consistent as possible when they step onto the pitch under the famous arch on March 16th.
