EFL ‘considering introduction of VAR’ to its competitions – bringing a tennis-style ‘challenge system’ to England’s lower leagues

The EFL is considering the implementation of VAR into its competitions despite objections from fans.

A lack of VAR was apparent during each of this week’s Carabao Cup quarter-final ties, with the decision being made not to use the technology even though all four games were played at Premier League grounds, where VAR is available.

Arsenal emerged as a beneficiary of this decision when TV replays showed that one of their goals in their 3-2 win over Crystal Palace was offside – but as it was not flagged by the assistant referee, the goal stood. 

The EFL has so far only used VAR in the Carabao Cup semi-finals and final, as well as its play-off finals, but this could soon be about to change as it continues to monitor technological developments – in particular regarding a challenge system, according to The Times.

An EFL spokesman said: ‘The league continues to monitor developments in the work of IFAB and emerging technologies to support match officials.

‘While we are mindful of the impact on the authenticity of the match-going experience for supporters, and the implementation costs for clubs, it is something we continue to keep under review. Any changes would require detailed discussion and approval from our clubs.’

The EFL has only used VAR in the Carabao Cup semi-finals and final – and its play-off finals

Gabriel Jesus benefited from a lack of VAR against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarter-final as he saw his second goal stand, despite TV replays showing he was offside

Goal-line technology is currently utilised in the Championship and League One, but is yet to be implemented into League Two.

And while goal-line technology has widely been welcomed as a positive change to the game over the past decade, the same cannot be said about VAR, with the appetite for video refereeing being particularly low in League One and League Two.

What could prove more appealing to England’s lower leagues is the introduction of Football Video Support – a low-cost alternative to VAR which operates using a challenge system.

It allows managers to call for a challenge when they dispute a decision, with each team being allowed two unsuccessful challenges per match.

The system was trialled in the FIFA Women’s Under-17 World Cup in October and could be extended to the men’s game in seasons to come.