Premier League Debates Scrapping VAR

The Premier League is set to engage in discussions regarding a proposal to eliminate the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology for refereeing decisions.

Wolverhampton Wanderers has put forth a resolution to initiate a vote at the league's annual general meeting scheduled for June 6. The resolution requires a minimum of 14 out of the 20 clubs to vote in favor to abolish VAR.

Wolves stated that the implementation of VAR has resulted in several unintended negative consequences, harming the connection between fans and football and undermining the Premier League's brand value.

According to the club, the decision to propose the resolution was made after careful consideration and with respect for the league, Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), and fellow competitors.

Wolves emphasized the need for a constructive and critical debate on the future of VAR after its five-year tenure. The club advocates for the removal of VAR starting from the 2024/25 season, asserting that the marginal increase in accuracy does not justify the adverse impact on the essence of the game.

The Premier League has confirmed that the future of VAR will be deliberated at the AGM, acknowledging the concerns surrounding its usage.

However, the league believes that scrapping VAR would result in a rise in incorrect decisions. It cites an increase in correct decisions from 82% before VAR's introduction to 96% in the current season.

The Premier League expressed full support for VAR and its commitment, along with PGMOL, to enhancing the system for the benefit of the game and its fans.

Currently, the Swedish league stands as the sole European top-30 ranked league without VAR implementation.

Former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, speaking as a pundit on Sky Sports, criticized VAR, stating that it detracts from the enjoyment of the game and prolongs decision-making.

“We're still getting human error with VAR, so if we're going to still get that, let them just do it on the pitch because otherwise it's just slowing everything down," Rooney said. "It's taking minutes and minutes to get to the decision, which is still a human being making the final decision.”

Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon echoed these sentiments, expressing frustration over VAR's inconsistencies and advocating for improvement or removal of the technology.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe expressed support for scrapping VAR, favoring a return to referee-centric decision-making, albeit suggesting the retention of VAR for offside calls with referees granted more authority.