- Premier League clubs to vote on scrapping VAR from next season
- Wolverhampton submits resolution citing negative consequences
- Vote scheduled for June 6, potentially changing English football’s use of technology
English football may be on the brink of a significant change as Premier League clubs prepare to vote on whether to abolish VAR from the start of next season. The controversial technology has been a topic of debate among fans, players, and coaches since its introduction in 2019.
VAR Under Review in England
The introduction of VAR in England in 2019 was intended to improve decision-making and reduce controversy in the game. However, it has faced numerous setbacks, including errors, inconsistencies, and a perceived over-reliance on technology. The technology was introduced to correct clear and obvious mistakes, but it has often been criticized for overanalyzing subjective decisions and compromising the game’s fluidity and integrity.
Wolverhampton Leads the Charge
Wolverhampton has submitted a resolution to the Premier League to trigger a vote on removing VAR from the start of the 2024/25 season. The club cites
“numerous unintended negative consequences”
that are damaging the relationship between fans and football, and undermining the Premier League brand. In a letter to the Premier League, Wolverhampton highlighted several concerns, including:
- Impact on goal celebrations and spontaneous passion
- Frustration and confusion inside stadiums due to lengthy VAR checks and poor communication
- Overreach of VAR’s original purpose, compromising the game’s fluidity and integrity
- Diminished accountability of on-field officials
- Continued errors despite VAR, damaging confidence in officiating standards
- Disruption of the Premier League’s fast pace, causing matches to run excessively long
- Constant discourse about VAR decisions, tarnishing the reputation of the league
- Erosion of trust and reputation, fuelling allegations of corruption
Premier League Response
The Premier League recognizes Wolverhampton’s right to make this complaint, but believes abolishing VAR would lead to more erroneous referee decisions. According to Premier League statistics, VAR has increased the accuracy rate of refereeing decisions from 82% to 96%. However, critics argue that this increase in accuracy comes at the cost of the game’s entertainment value and the fans’ experience.
Vote Scheduled
The proposal is tentatively scheduled to be voted on at the Premier League clubs’ assembly on June 6. Premier League clubs have the constitutional right to propose rule changes, and any proposal needs a two-thirds majority (14-6) to pass. If the proposal is successful, VAR will be scrapped from the start of next season, and the Premier League will return to a more traditional approach to refereeing.
Conclusion
The future of VAR in English football hangs in the balance as Premier League clubs prepare to vote on its fate. Will they choose to scrap VAR and return to a more traditional approach, or will they continue to support the use of technology in refereeing decisions?