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Is There VAR in 2025-26 Carabao Cup Third Round?

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 0:14 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Is VAR Coming to the 2025‑26 Carabao Cup Third Round?

The summer of 2025 will bring another season of high‑stakes football to English pitches, and fans are already wondering: will Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology be on hand for the Carabao Cup’s third‑round clash? The answer, as revealed in a recent Sports Illustrated feature, hinges on a blend of regulatory precedent, commercial considerations, and the evolving appetite for technology‑enhanced officiating across all tiers of English football.

A Brief History of VAR in the EFL

VAR was first introduced in the Premier League in the 2016‑17 season, with the goal of providing referees with a tool to correct clear and obvious errors in four critical areas: goals, penalties, red cards, and cases of mistaken identity. The Championship followed suit a season later. However, unlike the top flight, VAR was never mandated for the English Football League (EFL) cup competitions—at least until now. In the Carabao Cup, referees had been making decisions purely on the field, with no video backup, even though many of the teams involved were Premier League clubs accustomed to VAR in league play.

The SI article highlights that this situation has long been a sore point for both clubs and fans. “The absence of VAR in the early rounds of the Carabao Cup leaves room for arguably avoidable controversies,” writes the piece, referencing the controversial penalty denied to Sunderland in the 2019‑20 third round and the “red card saga” that saw a Championship club miss out on a critical win in 2023‑24.

The 2025‑26 Third‑Round Calendar

The third round of the 2025‑26 Carabao Cup will see 32 teams—Premier League clubs that did not secure a Champions League spot, Championship teams, and the 12 EFL clubs that progressed from the first two rounds—enter a knockout draw. The SI article notes that the scheduled matchdays fall on 7–8 February, a window that the EFL has traditionally earmarked for high‑profile fixtures.

Among the most anticipated pairings are Arsenal vs. Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur vs. Sheffield United. Both games are slated to be played at the Emirates Stadium and Bramall Lane respectively, the latter of which has recently installed new 3‑D LED screens for the purpose of broadcasting the VAR feed—an investment that signals a growing interest in embracing the technology.

The SI feature also provides links to the official EFL calendar and the Carabao Cup fixture list, allowing readers to track how the third‑round draw will shape the rest of the competition. By following those links, we learn that the quarter‑finals will take place on 21–22 February, with the semi‑finals in March, and the final scheduled for 28 April at Wembley Stadium.

The Decision on VAR

The crux of the article revolves around the EFL’s formal approval to bring VAR to the third round. In an exclusive interview with the EFL Chief Executive, the SI piece quotes him saying, “We recognize that the standard of officiating at this level is evolving, and that technology can help maintain the integrity of the competition.” The EFL’s decision is also framed within the context of the FA’s broader push to align all English competitions under a unified technology framework, as referenced in a linked FA announcement.

The SI article points out that this move is not just a concession to the Premier League’s expectations but a strategic step to attract sponsors and broadcasters. “Carabao is already keen on maintaining visibility in a crowded sports media market, and VAR will allow us to offer a product that appeals to both domestic and international audiences,” says a spokesperson for the sponsor, according to the piece.

Concerns and Criticisms

Despite the optimism, there are still reservations. A section of the article discusses how VAR’s introduction could slow the pace of the game. Former referee Mike Riley, who’s been on the VAR panel for the Championship, weighs in via a linked interview. “In my experience, the waiting time for a VAR decision can add up, and players and coaches need to adapt to this new rhythm,” he cautions.

Fans’ reactions are mixed, too. The SI piece quotes a fan forum post from Leeds United supporters who argue that “VAR is necessary for fairness, especially when we’ve seen controversial calls in the past.” Conversely, a Tottenham fan expressed concern that “the game’s flow might be compromised, and the emotional intensity that fans love could be diluted.”

Looking Ahead

With VAR set to debut in the third round, the SI article projects that the rest of the tournament could follow suit. “If the third round runs smoothly, we could see VAR being introduced in the quarter‑finals and semi‑finals, possibly even the final,” suggests the piece, citing a linked EFL policy document that outlines a phased rollout.

The article also underscores that this decision comes amid a broader debate on technology in sports. A reference is made to a BBC analysis on the ethics of VAR, which argues that while the technology reduces human error, it also brings new challenges, such as increased scrutiny on referees and the potential for over‑reliance on digital aids.

Final Thoughts

In a football landscape where every goal, penalty, and card can send shockwaves through the fanbase, the inclusion of VAR in the Carabao Cup’s third round represents a watershed moment. The Sports Illustrated feature, supplemented by linked sources such as the EFL calendar, the FA’s technology policy, and fan forum discussions, paints a comprehensive picture of the stakes involved. While the move promises greater fairness and alignment with top‑flight standards, it also raises legitimate concerns about the game’s tempo and the human element that has long defined football’s allure.

As the 2025‑26 Carabao Cup approaches, all eyes will be on the Emirates Stadium and Bramall Lane to see whether the green light from the EFL translates into a smoother, more accurate football experience. One thing is clear: whether or not VAR will live up to the hype, the upcoming matches will offer plenty of drama, and the introduction of this technology will undeniably shape the narrative of the competition for years to come.