Premier League clubs vote to keep VAR
Premier League clubs discussed ways to make VAR better for the game and supporters
VAR is here to stay in the Premier League - for the time being at least - after clubs voted to keep the technology.
The vote was triggered after Wolverhampton Wanderers submitted a resolution to the Premier League to discuss the role of VAR (Video Assistant Referees) in the division.
In a statement, the Premier League said "While VAR produces more accurate decision making, it was agreed that improvements should be made for the benefit of the game and supporters."
The Premier League said discussions at the AGM in Harrogate focussed on:
- Maintaining a high threshold for VAR intervention to deliver greater consistency and less interruptions to the flow of the game.
- Reducing delays to the game, primarily through the introduction of semi-automated offside technology (SAOT)
- Improving fan experience through a reduction in the delays, in-stadium announcements from referees after a post-VAR change of decision and where possible, an enhanced offering of big screen replays to include all VAR interventions
- Working with PGMOL on the implementation of more robust VAR training to improve consistency, including an emphasis on speed of process while preserving accuracy
- Increasing transparency and communication around VAR - including expanded communications from Premier League Match Centre and through broadcast programming such as Match Officials Mic'd Up
- The delivery of a fan and stakeholder VAR communication campaign, which will seek to further clarify VAR's role in the game to participants and supporters.
Wolves called for VAR to be scrapped after a number of controversial decisions, including one which saw Wolves boss Gary O'Neil receive a one-match touchline ban after a late Wolves equaliser was disallowed by VAR.
Wolves said VAR "led to numerous unintended negative consequences that are damaging the relationship between fans and football, and undermining the value of the Premier League brand."
The club said: "Our position is that the price we are paying for a small increase in accuracy is at odds with the spirit of our game, and as a result we should remove it from the 2024-25 season onwards."
Nottingham Forest have also taken exception to VAR this year, after the club questioned the integrity of a VAR official in a controversial statement released on social media following a match against Everton in which the club felt it could have been awarded three penalties.
With a two-thirds majority required to make a rule change (14 of the 20 clubs) it always seemed likely VAR would stay, but the Premier League will now try to improve the system.