Will VAR Technology Feature in the 2025-26 Carabao Cup Fourth Round Matches?
The Carabao Cup's fourth round commands attention this midweek, as the remaining 16 clubs aim to advance in their pursuit of English football's opening major silverware of the campaign.
This fourth round marks the competition's final phase in 2025, with proceedings continuing through the quarter-final stage in January 2026.
While the Carabao Cup has predominantly served as a trophy source for Premier League giants throughout most of this century, five teams from outside the top flight continue their campaigns.
The participation of League One and League Two clubs in the Carabao Cup directly influences the tournament's officiating standards, particularly regarding VAR implementation.
Is VAR Used in Carabao Cup Fourth Round?
VAR technology will not be available for any fourth round fixture in the 2025-26 Carabao Cup, even when matches feature two Premier League clubs at venues regularly equipped with VAR systems.
The English Football League has established that VAR will only operate in Carabao Cup rounds when every venue hosting matches possesses the necessary technology infrastructure.
While all Premier League grounds feature VAR capabilities, the presence of Championship clubs Wrexham and Swansea City, League One's Wycombe Wanderers, and League Two's Grimsby Town as hosts eliminates VAR availability.
This policy ensures consistent officiating standards across all fixtures within each round, preserving competitive balance among participating teams.
Will VAR be Introduced Later in 2025-26 Carabao Cup?
VAR will definitely be operational for the Carabao Cup final at minimum.
Nevertheless, VAR might be implemented sooner during the semi-final stage, similar to last season when all four remaining teams represented Premier League clubs.
Two campaigns ago, Championship outfit Middlesbrough reached the semi-finals, restricting VAR usage to the final only.
This campaign's semi-finals represent the earliest possible stage for VAR introduction. With Wrexham and Cardiff City meeting in the fourth round, EFL participation in the quarter-finals is assured, confirming VAR's absence from the next round as well.