Liverpool and 18 other Premier League clubs have voted in favor of keeping VAR, while Wolverhampton Wanderers’ motion to abolish video assistant referees has been defeated by a 19 to 1 majority. The league issued a statement affirming the decision, stating that while VAR improves decision-making accuracy, there is room for improvement for the benefit of the game and supporters.
To address concerns and enhance the system, the Premier League has outlined six areas of focus. First, they aim to maintain a high threshold for VAR intervention to ensure greater consistency and fewer interruptions to the flow of the game. By reducing delays, primarily through the introduction of semi-automated offside technology (SAOT), they hope to improve the fan experience without compromising accuracy.
Additionally, the league plans to work with PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) to implement more robust VAR training, emphasizing the speed of the process while maintaining accuracy. Transparency and communication around VAR will also be increased, including expanded communications from the Premier League Match Centre and broadcast programming such as “Match Officials Mic’d Up.”
Recognizing the importance of educating participants and supporters about VAR’s role in the game, the Premier League will launch a fan and stakeholder VAR communication campaign. This campaign aims to clarify any misconceptions and provide a better understanding of VAR’s purpose.
Furthermore, the Premier League has announced the introduction of semi-automated offsides, similar to what has been used in the Champions League and Europa League. This technology will offer quicker and consistent placement of the virtual offside line, based on optical player tracking. The goal is to provide high-quality broadcast graphics for an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience.
The statement concludes by mentioning that the Premier League and PGMOL will continue to lobby IFAB (International Football Association Board) for greater flexibility in the Laws of the Game, specifically allowing live video and audio broadcast during VAR reviews.
While opinions on VAR remain divided, the Premier League’s decision to keep VAR demonstrates their commitment to improving the system rather than scrapping it altogether. By addressing key concerns and implementing new technologies, they hope to strike a balance between accurate decision-making and the smooth flow of the game. This decision also signifies the league’s recognition of the importance of fan experience and their efforts to increase transparency and communication surrounding VAR.
Ultimately, only time will tell if these changes will be enough to appease critics and ensure VAR’s success in the Premier League.