This weekend, reports suggest that two out of four Premier Sports Cup matches will opt out of using VAR, leading to potential controversy as the other two quarter-final ties will maintain the technology. Motherwell will face Dundee United while Aberdeen hosts League Two Spartans without VAR due to games not being broadcast live on Premier Sports TV channels. This decision by all four clubs involved will save them each around £16,000.

The issue arises with Rangers vs Dundee at Ibrox and Celtic vs Falkirk at Parkhead as VAR will be in operation, as per rules stating that televised games should use the technology when possible. The two matches without VAR will only be available through pay-per-view on Premier Player, emphasizing a notable difference in officiating for matches in the same round.

Since its introduction in Scottish football in October 2022, VAR has sparked debate, with Steven Naismith and Derek McInnes recently criticizing perceived inconsistencies it aimed to eliminate. With half the teams having VAR and the others not, this weekend might see more debates on the technology’s impact. The semi-finals draw will follow after Celtic’s match against Falkirk, the last quarter-final encounter.