Need to know
The Carabao Cup rules have altered as the tournament has progressed to the conclusion of Arsenal and Manchester City doing battle in the Wembley final
Big screen showing a VAR check in the Carabao Cup
VAR will be in operation for the Carabao Cup final(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
All the rules you need to know for the Carabao Cup final
Extra-time reintroduction: Unlike the early rounds where draws go straight to penalties, the final requires 30 minutes of extra time if the score is level after 90 minutes. This is played as two 15-minute halves, regardless of whether any goals are scored during the period.
Penalty shootout format: If the teams are still tied after 120 minutes, the winner is decided by a standard penalty shootout. The "ABBA" format trialled in previous years has been scrapped, returning to the traditional alternating sequence.
VAR implementation: Video Assistant Referees (VAR) are fully operational for the final to assist the on-field officials with clear and obvious errors. While VAR is often absent in earlier rounds to maintain "fairness" for non-Premier League clubs, it is a staple of the Wembley final.
Referee announcements: In a newer protocol, referees may use the stadium's public address system to explain VAR decisions to the fans in attendance. This aims to provide more clarity on reviews involving goals, red cards or mistaken identity.
Substitution limits: Each team can name nine substitutes on the bench but can only use five during the initial 90 minutes. These changes must be made within three "stoppage" opportunities, though half-time does not count as one of these windows.
The sixth substitute: If the match proceeds to extra time, both clubs are granted one additional substitution, bringing their total allowed to six. Any unused substitutions from the regular 90 minutes can also be carried over into the extra period.
Trophy lift: The winning captain leads the team up the famous Wembley steps to the Royal Box to receive the three-handled trophy. After the medals are distributed, the "lift" occurs on the balcony overlooking the pitch before being taken down to a pitch-side podium.
Ownership of the cup: The winning club is allowed to keep the physical trophy for one year to display in their cabinet but must return it before the next year's final. They are typically provided with a full-size replica to keep permanently as a record of their victory.
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