Football: English Premier League considers dropping Video Assisted Reviews next season

English Premier League clubs will vote on whether to drop video assistant referees (VAR) from next season, after Wolverhampton Wanderers submitted a resolution, citing the "negative consequences that damage the relationship between fans and football".

Video review was introduced in 2019 to assist onfield officials with key match decisions, but the technology has been at the centre of controversy, with complaints ranging from its extensive analysis to delays that can take several minutes.

"After five seasons of VAR in the premier league, it is time for a constructive and critical debate about its future," said Wolverhampton.

"Our position is that the price we are paying for a small increase in accuracy is contrary to the spirit of our game and should therefore be removed from the 2024/25 season onwards."

A premier league spokesperson confirms it will facilitate a discussion on VAR with clubs at next month's annual general meeting.

However, he adds that while clubs are entitled to put forward proposals, the league fully supports the use of VAR and remains committed, alongside the referees' body PGMOL, to continuing to improve the system for the benefit of the game and its fans.

"The void left, having removed VAR, would potentially place even greater criticism on onfield decisions made by match officials and increase frustration by supporters," he said. "This would also have a significant impact on the premier league's reputation."

Last month, Sweden's top leagues said they would not consider introducing the VAR system, after clubs voiced their opposition to the technology.

Reuters

English Premier League clubs will vote on whether to drop video assistant referees (VAR) from next season, after Wolverhampton Wanderers submitted a resolution, citing the "negative consequences that damage the relationship between fans and football".

Video review was introduced in 2019 to assist onfield officials with key match decisions, but the technology has been at the centre of controversy, with complaints ranging from its extensive analysis to delays that can take several minutes.

"After five seasons of VAR in the premier league, it is time for a constructive and critical debate about its future," said Wolverhampton.

"Our position is that the price we are paying for a small increase in accuracy is contrary to the spirit of our game and should therefore be removed from the 2024/25 season onwards."

A premier league spokesperson confirms it will facilitate a discussion on VAR with clubs at next month's annual general meeting.

However, he adds that while clubs are entitled to put forward proposals, the league fully supports the use of VAR and remains committed, alongside the referees' body PGMOL, to continuing to improve the system for the benefit of the game and its fans.

"The void left, having removed VAR, would potentially place even greater criticism on onfield decisions made by match officials and increase frustration by supporters," he said. "This would also have a significant impact on the premier league's reputation."

Last month, Sweden's top leagues said they would not consider introducing the VAR system, after clubs voiced their opposition to the technology.

Reuters

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