May 16 – After a season of highly contentious, sometimes game-changing VAR decisions, English Premier League clubs are set to vote on scrapping the system this summer.
The move was announced after Wolverhampton Wanderers submitted a resolution on Wednesday citing the “negative consequences that damage the relationship between fans and football”.
The technology was introduced in the English top flight at the beginning of the 2019/20 season in order to help referees with key decisions.
But it has proved to be a consistent source of controversy amid a number inconsistent decisions.
As a result, all 20 clubs are set to vote on its potential removal at the Premier League’s yearly gathering on June 6, with 14 votes needed to scrap it.
“There is no blame to be placed – we are all just looking for the best possible outcome for football – and all stakeholders have been working hard to try and make the introduction of additional technology a success,” said a Wolves statement.
“However, after five seasons of VAR in the Premier League, it is time for a constructive and critical debate on its future.
“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.”
A Premier League spokesperson confirmed it would “facilitate a discussion on VAR with our clubs at the annual general meeting next month. We acknowledge the concerns and issues around the use of VAR.”
However, the league itself is against removing VAR believing that doing so would have the opposite effect and lead to an increase in the number of incorrect decisions. According to the league, the number of correct decisions made in games has risen from 82% prior to the introduction of VAR to 96% this season.
“The league fully supports the use of VAR and remains committed… to make continued improvements to the system for the benefit of the game and fans,” the Premier League said.
“The void left, having removed VAR, would potentially place even greater criticism on on-field decisions made by match officials and increase frustration by supporters. This would also have a significant impact on the Premier League’s reputation.”
Currently, Sweden is the only one of Europe’s top-30 ranked leagues not to use video reviews.
Within hours of the vote announcement, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said he would back scrapping of VAR.
“I’ve always been in an era where the referee makes the decision and I’d still back that,” he said. “I think there are more positives (in removing VAR) than negatives. I’d possibly keep it for offsides but I’d like more power with the referees.”
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino was more cautious when he spoke after Wednesday’s 2-1 win at Brighton.
“Next season we have to see if we can improve how we use VAR. For me it’s not in or out, it’s about improving how we use it,” he said. “It can be amazing to have it in the right way and VAR can be a fantastic tool to help the referees and us.”
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