In-stadium Video Assistant Referee (VAR) announcements will be trialled during Liverpool's Carabao Cup semi-finals against Tottenham Hotspur. The Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL) has confirmed the groundbreaking change for the two-legged matches.

Arsenal take on Newcastle United in the other semi-final as Arne Slot's side look to defend their League Cup crown. Throughout the competition, VAR has been out-of-action and was initially scheduled to be introduced for the last-four.

However, the PGMOL have announced that referees will now announce decision after visiting the pitchside monitor or after reaching a decision on matters such as handball, among others.

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At Anfield, and many Premier League stadiums across the country, the initial checks have been shown on LED screens in the stadium - with a recent introduction seeing explanations, from the Premier League's Match Centre, displayed.

The PGMOL tweeted: "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 pitchside 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 the PGMOL's 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."

The English Football League (EFL) wrote in a statement: "VAR will be in place for this season’s Carabao Cup Semi-Finals, along with the first use of in-stadium VAR announcements in English football.

"As part of the trial, referees will announce (over the stadium public address system) the final decision following a visit to the VAR pitchside monitor, or upon the conclusion of factual matters such as accidental handball by a goalscorer or offside judgements. Only the final decision will be announced in the stadium.

"In-stadium VAR announcements have already been successfully introduced in several FIFA events, including the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and aim to provide greater clarity and understanding around key decisions to supporters in the stadiums and those watching from home.

"The new pilot forms part of PGMOL’s broader commitment to transparency and embracing technological advancements for the benefit of Match Officials and fans. This latest pilot has the support of the EFL and follows earlier collaboration with PGMOL in 2018 to trial VAR in EFL competitions ahead of its introduction in the Premier League.

"The trial will run over both legs of the Arsenal v Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool Semi-Final ties, with the first legs taking place at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday 7 January and at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday 8 January."