Why is there no VAR in the Carabao Cup semi-finals as Chelsea and Liverpool see playing field levelled - explained

The EFL have made the call not to use the technology in each game of the two-legged semi-finals between Chelsea and Boro, and Liverpool and Fulham.

Mauricio Pochettino's Blues visit the Championship side in their first leg on Tuesday night, while Liverpool host Fulham on Wednesday in the first of their encounters.

The measure has been taken because Middlesbrough do not have the technology at the Riverside Stadium, as VAR is not in use in the Championship.

Rather than use VAR in three out of the four semi-final legs being played, the EFL decided it was 'fairer' to remove the use of the technology altogether.

Speaking to The Telegraph, a spokesperson for the EFL said: "There will be no VAR used in the semi finals because it was not possible for the technology to be used at Middlesbrough.

"It was decided it was fairer to not use it in any of the four semi final games as a result. The FA took a different approach (in the FA Cup) but we felt this was the way to go. If it couldn’t be used in one of the games it won’t be used in any of the four semi-final legs.

"However, VAR will be used for the final regardless of who is playing in it as the technology is already installed at Wembley."

The continued use of VAR where available has proven controversial in the FA Cup, with lower-league sides not benefitting from reviewed decisions when playing at home in the third round over the weekend, while it has been in use at Premier League grounds.

Chelsea will be strong favourites to progress to the final over two legs as Pochettino aims to win his first piece of silverware in English football. Liverpool will be confident of joining them as they prepare to take on Fulham, in the hope of setting up a repeat of the 2022 final - which the Reds won on penalties.