Premier League Clubs Vote to Keep VAR Next Season
Premier League clubs have voted overwhelmingly in favor of keeping video assistant referees (VAR) for the upcoming season. The vote, which resulted in a 19-1 majority, came after Wolves submitted a resolution to the Premier League in May, calling for the use of VAR to be scrapped in the 2024-25 season. In order for the proposal to pass, 14 out of the 20 clubs needed to vote in favor of it. However, only Wolves voted in favor of the proposal, failing to gain support from other top-flight clubs.
Wolves expressed their disappointment with the outcome of the vote but welcomed the Premier League’s commitment to improving VAR. The club listed nine reasons to support their proposal, including concerns about the impact on goal celebrations, hostility towards match officials, and the length of time needed to reach decisions.
The Premier League has faced increasing pressure to modify VAR since its introduction at the start of the 2019-20 season. In response, the league announced several changes to be implemented in the upcoming season. Semi-automated offsides will be introduced in the autumn, aiming to provide quicker decisions, particularly on marginal calls that currently take a long time to resolve. Additionally, in-game VAR announcements will be made to explain post-VAR decisions to supporters in stadiums.
Malcolm Clarke, chairman of the Football Supporters’ Association, emphasized that significant changes are needed in the current VAR system. Fans have been frustrated with its implementation and feel that improvements must be made. The Premier League has acknowledged these concerns and is committed to greater transparency and understanding of the decision-making process.
While Wolves’ proposal was ultimately unsuccessful, it did succeed in generating a wider debate about VAR. The Premier League recognizes that there is still work to be done in order to improve the system and avoid finding itself in a similar position in the future. By introducing semi-automated offsides and in-game VAR announcements, the league aims to provide better decisions more quickly and reduce delays.
Overall, the decision to keep VAR for the upcoming season reflects the league’s commitment to addressing concerns and making improvements. The Premier League understands the need for greater transparency and efficiency and will continue to work towards enhancing the VAR system to ensure a better experience for clubs, players, and fans alike.