The Carabao Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium will feature several important rule changes and protocols that differ from earlier rounds of the competition. As the tournament reaches its climax, understanding these regulations is crucial for fans and players alike.
Extra-Time Reintroduction
Unlike the preliminary stages where drawn matches proceed directly to penalty shootouts, the final requires a full 30 minutes of extra time if the score remains level after 90 minutes. This period is divided into two 15-minute halves, and it must be played in its entirety regardless of whether any goals are scored during this time.
Penalty Shootout Format
Should the teams still be tied after 120 minutes of play, the winner will be determined through a standard penalty shootout. The experimental "ABBA" format that was trialled in previous seasons has been officially abandoned, with the competition returning to the traditional alternating sequence between teams.
VAR Implementation
Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will be fully operational throughout the Carabao Cup final to assist on-field officials with clear and obvious errors. While VAR is typically absent from earlier rounds to maintain fairness for clubs outside the Premier League, it has become a standard feature of the Wembley final.
Referee Announcements
In a newer protocol designed to enhance transparency, referees may utilise the stadium's public address system to explain VAR decisions directly to attending fans. This initiative aims to provide greater clarity during reviews involving potential goals, red card incidents, or cases of mistaken identity.
Substitution Regulations
Each competing team can name nine substitutes on their bench but is restricted to using only five during the initial 90 minutes. These changes must be executed within three designated "stoppage" opportunities, with the half-time interval specifically excluded from counting as one of these windows.
The Sixth Substitute
If the match progresses to extra time, both clubs are granted one additional substitution opportunity, increasing their total permitted changes to six. Any unused substitutions from the regular 90 minutes can also be carried over into the extra period, providing managers with additional tactical flexibility.
Trophy Presentation Protocol
The winning captain will lead their team up the iconic Wembley steps to the Royal Box to receive the distinctive three-handled trophy. Following the distribution of medals, the traditional trophy "lift" occurs on the balcony overlooking the pitch before the presentation moves to a pitch-side podium for further celebrations.
Ownership of the Cup
The victorious club is permitted to retain the physical trophy for one year to display in their cabinet, with the requirement to return it before the following season's final. Typically, the winning team receives a full-size replica trophy to keep permanently as a lasting record of their achievement.
