VAR will not be used in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, so Middlesbrough’s presence created a level playing field.
VAR does not apply
Riverside Stadium is not at full capacity
What happens?
The EFL has asked that the technology not be used in the two-leg semi-finals between Chelsea and middlesbrough and Liverpool and Fulham.
Mauricio Pochettino’s Blues visit the Championship side in the first leg on Tuesday night, while Liverpool host Fulham in the first leg on Wednesday.
understanding
Middlesbrough took the measure due to a lack of technology at the Riverside Stadium, which does not use VAR in the Championship.
The EFL decided it was “correct” not to use the technology entirely, but to use VAR for three of the four semi-finals.
What the EFL said
An EFL spokesman told the Telegraph: “VAR will not be used in the semi-final as VAR technology is not available at Middlesbrough.”“It was decided it would be fair not to use him for four semi-finals.
The FA took a different approach (in the FA Cup) but I thought it was the right approach. If it cannot be used in any match, it cannot be used in any of the four semi-finals. “But VAR technology is already in place at Wembley, so VAR will be used in the final regardless of who is playing.”
The continued use of VAR where possible has been controversial in the FA Cup, with lower league teams not benefiting from the revised rules when used in Premier League stadiums for this weekend’s third-round home games.
Now what?
Chelsea will be heavy favorites to reach the final with two games to play as Pochettino seeks his first title in English football. As Liverpool prepare to face Fulham, the Reds will be hoping to join Liverpool in their hopes of a repeat of the 2022 final, which they won on penalties.
