The Skybet Championship could take a huge step forward by bringing in Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology for this month's play-offs.
A report by the Telegraph claims that the technology may be implemented for all five games that make up the showpiece event, with both legs of each semi-final and the Wembley finale having it in operation.
Until now VAR has only been used domestically for Premier League matches, first introduced in the 2019-20 campaign. It has also been used sporadically in domestic cup competitions, albeit only for the semi-finals and final of the Carabao Cup and only in FA Cup ties that are played at Premier League grounds. This weekend sees the final round of matches take place in the Championship, with only two of the four play-off places confirmed.
Nottingham Forest, who lost out to Bournemouth midweek, and Huddersfield Town are guaranteed their slots. They will be joined by two of the following four sides: Sheffield United, Luton Town, Middlesbrough and Millwall. Discussions between clubs and the EFL are ongoing, with a decision likely to be announced only once the identity of the four play-off teams are confirmed.
If it is brought in it would be the first time that VAR has been trialled in second tier games. Its introduction would also go some way to clearing up any controversies and with the winners of this year's play-offs expected to land a jackpot of close to £200million there is clearly plenty riding on the outcome.
Nottingham Forest's aforementioned 1-0 defeat away at Bournemouth on Tuesday saw the Cherries seal automatic promotion at the visitors' expense.
But the hosts had a big let-off early into that contest when goalkeeper Mark Travers brought down Forest's Sam Surridge inside the 18-yard box only for Travers to be saved by the assistant referee's offside flag. However, TV replays showed Surridge was onside.
Forest chief Steve Cooper berated the on-field decision. He said: "It was a big decision from the referee and linesman for the Surridge offside and they have just pulled me into the office to apologise. They have held their hands up but we know decisions haven't really been with us this year. It hurts but we have to get over it now and get ready for the play-offs. Congratulations to Bournemouth as they get ready for the Premier League and hopefully we can join them."
Championship bosses have previously spoken of the possibility of new technology being brought in. Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom is an advocate, saying he would support the use of VAR in the second tier. He said: “Yeah. There are alterations to be had to VAR, focus on the black and white things, but we’d certainly be better off with it. “We just want correct decisions. Or I want a few bad ones going our way!"
However, Blackpool boss Neil Critchley has previously voiced his opposition to it, saying: "When VAR is involved, you’re not playing the same rules so I’m not a fan of it.”
