Absence of VAR in Liverpool vs. Fulham Carabao Cup Semi-Final: Understanding the Decision

Liverpool’s Carabao Cup Semi-Final Against Fulham to Have No VAR

The Carabao Cup semi-final clash between Liverpool and Fulham will not feature VAR for either leg, despite its planned introduction for this round. The decision was made by the English Football League (EFL) to ensure a level playing field for all teams in the semi-finals.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, October 16, 2022: Referee Anthony Taylor indicates a VAR review during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester City FC at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

While three Premier League teams—Liverpool, Fulham, and Chelsea—have VAR technology in place at their stadiums, Middlesbrough, the other semi-finalist, does not. To avoid any potential discrepancies, the EFL opted not to use VAR in any of the four semi-final legs.

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An EFL spokesperson explained the decision, stating, “There will be no VAR used in the semi-finals because it was not possible for the technology to be used at Middlesbrough. If it couldn’t be used in one of the games, it won’t be used in any of the four semi-final legs.”

However, VAR will still be implemented for the final, regardless of the teams playing, as the technology is already installed at Wembley.

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This approach contrasts with the FA Cup, where VAR is used in games where the technology is available, even if other fixtures in the same round do not have access.

Liverpool’s first leg against Fulham is scheduled for Wednesday, with the return leg at Craven Cottage on January 24. The Carabao Cup final is set to take place at Wembley on February 25.