EFL confirms that Chelsea will be affected by a significant adjustment:

Concerning the application of VAR, the EFL has defied the FA Cup ruling.

The EFL has determined that, in the interest of “fairness,” this week’s Carabao Cup semi-final matches would not use video assistant refereeing. Tuesday’s match between Middlesbrough and Chelsea takes place at the Riverside Stadium, while on Wednesday night, Fulham plays Liverpool.

Because Middlesbrough is playing in the Championship, the Riverside does not have VAR installed. As a result, the technology will not be used for any of the four semi-final legs. Three of the four games—at Anfield, Stamford Bridge, and Craven Cottage—were eligible for VAR, but the EFL determined it would have been unjust.

This decision contradicts the FA Cup this season’s desire to use technology wherever feasible. For example, it was operational during West Ham’s match against Bristol City on Sunday at the London Stadium, but it won’t be accessible during the Ashton Gate repeat the following week.

 

There won’t be any VAR in the semifinals since Middlesbrough could not accommodate the system, a representative informed Telegraph Sport. As a result, it was determined that it would be more equitable to not utilize it in any of the four semi-final games. We thought this was the best course of action, but the FA adopted a different strategy (in the FA Cup). If it wasn’t suitable for one of the games

It means that none of the four semi-final legs will see its usage.

“VAR technology will not be used in the Carabao Cup semi-final stage this season due to the fact that the system is not installed at one of the participating semi-finalist Clubs and to maintain fairness and consistency,” the EFL website stated in an additional statement. This is consistent with earlier competition rounds this year, where VAR was accessible at some grounds but not at all.

The reinstatement of VAR for the final at Wembley Stadium on February 25 was confirmed by the EFL. With a draw against Middlesbrough, who are in 12th place in the Championship, Chelsea will be the favorites to go to Wembley as Mauricio Pochettino looks to win his first title as manager of the Blues. In the meantime, Fulham will be the underdog in an all-Premier League semi-final versus Liverpool, who is currently winning.