Premier League clubs are gearing up to vote on whether to abolish video assistant referees (VAR) for the next season at their annual general meeting in Harrogate on June 6.
The proposal, formally submitted by Wolves, has triggered a significant debate among the 20 member clubs.
The Awkward Journey So Far
Introduced in 2019 to aid on-field officials with critical match decisions, VAR was welcomed with high hopes.
However, Wolves argue that the technology has resulted in “numerous unintended negative consequences that are damaging the relationship between fans and football.”
The club’s statement emphasized, “The price we are paying for a small increase in accuracy is at odds with the spirit of our game.”
Despite these concerns, the Premier League has expressed its support for VAR, acknowledging the issues but committing to work with the referees’ body, PGMOL, to improve the system.
The League Management state then:
“We fully support the technology and will continue to make improvements,”
To enact any rule changes, a two-thirds majority—14 of the 20 clubs—must vote in favor. This vote comes after the clubs already approved the introduction of semi-automated offside technology for the 2024-25 season.
Where It Ruptured
The current season has seen a series of controversial incidents involving VAR, leading to widespread criticism from managers and club officials.
Wolves boss Gary O’Neil was notably vocal, receiving a one-match touchline ban in April after his outburst following a late equalizer being disallowed via a VAR check in a match against West Ham. Wolves chairman Jeff Shi also criticized VAR, suggesting the club’s league position would be higher if not for several contentious decisions.
Nottingham Forest joined the chorus of dissent after three penalty appeals were rejected in a 2-0 defeat at Everton, prompting a scathing statement on social media. An independent Key Match Incident Panel later ruled that one of Forest’s appeals should have resulted in a penalty.
A particularly high-profile error occurred in October when Liverpool’s Luis Diaz had a goal incorrectly disallowed for offside against Tottenham. The Premier League admitted the incident revealed “systemic weaknesses in the VAR process” and prompted “key learnings and immediate actions.”
Tony Scholes, the league’s chief football officer, acknowledged in February that while VAR had increased the number of correct decisions, it often led to lengthy delays and a poor in-stadium experience. In an effort to enhance transparency, referee chief Howard Webb has started discussing notable VAR incidents, including sharing audio between officials, on the TV program “Match Officials Mic’d Up.”
A Growing Pain
The growing backlash against VAR isn’t isolated to England. Last month, Sweden became the first elite league in UEFA’s top 30 to reject the use of VAR, reflecting a broader skepticism about the technology’s impact on the game.
As the Premier League prepares for its crucial vote, the future of VAR hangs in the balance, with clubs weighing the technology’s benefits against its detriments.
This outcome could reshape the landscape of officiating in English football.
