VAR set to be used in play-off final between Sunderland and Sheffield United
Video Assistant Referees are set to be used at Wembley for the EFL Championship play-off final between Sunderland and Sheffield United, The Northern Echo understands.
The Black Cats are set to face off against The Blades at Wembley for a place in the Premier League on May 24 in a match routinely dubbed 'the richest game in football'.
With so much on the line then, the use of VAR could play a significant role in which club will join Leeds United and Burnley in the top flight next season.
VAR was introduced to the play-offs in the 2021/22 season, but only in grounds where the technology had previously been used meaning that most semi-finals did not see it utilised.
The Northern Echo understands the EFL is set to allow the use of VAR in the play-off final, in a move which aligns with its use in previous seasons.
(Image: Richard Sellers / PA) Sunderland reached the play-off final after a spectacular header from Dan Ballard in the last second of the semi-final tie secured a victory over Coventry City.
They face a Sheffield United side managed by former Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder who come into the Wembley game on the back of a storming 6-0 aggregate win over Bristol City.
Frank Lampard's 'atmosphere gone' claim & Dan Ballard Sunderland dressing room speech
How Regis Le Bris and his Sunderland squad will prepare for the play-off final
Sunderland vs Sheffield United play-off final kick-off time latest amid EFL talks
The EFL will confirm the kick-off time for Sunderland's Championship play-off final against Sheffield United in the coming days.
Talks between the clubs, relevant stakeholders, safety groups and the police are ongoing, with the EFL keen to confirm the kick-off time as soon as possible so fans of both clubs can plan their journey to the capital.
Last season's final between Leeds United and Southampton kicked off at 3pm but at this stage there's no indication as to whether next week's game will be the same.
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