# PGMOL Release Statement Detailing Changes Following Failure to Award Luis Diaz’s Goal
Following the failure to award Luis Diaz’s first-half strike during the 2-1 defeat at Tottenham, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) have released a statement detailing the changes they intend to make. Liverpool made a formal request for the footage to be made available after the PGMOL acknowledged a “significant human error” had been made in the goal being incorrectly disallowed. The audio has now been made public, with the PGMOL issuing an accompanying statement in which they admitted that “standards fell short of expectations” with the errors that were made and the plans for “enhancing VAR performance” in the future.
## PGMOL Acknowledges Error and Outlines Key Learnings
The PGMOL statement acknowledged that standards fell short of expectations and that an error had been made in disallowing Luis Diaz’s goal. The review of the on-field and VAR decision-making processes and application of the decision-making principles identified the following key learnings to mitigate against the risk of a future error:
* Guidance to Video Match Officials has always emphasised the need for efficiency, but never at the expense of accuracy. This principle will be clearly reiterated.
* A new VAR Communication Protocol will be developed to enhance the clarity of communication between the referee and the VAR team in relation to on-field decisions.
* As an additional step to the process, the VAR will confirm the outcome of the VAR check process with the AVAR before confirming the final decision to the on-field officials.
## PGMOL Committed to Enhancing VAR Performance
The PGMOL are committed to enhancing VAR performance through a new training programme which started this season and focuses on process and best practice for all VARs, AVARs and Replay Operators in their specific roles. While they have a number of FIFA-recognised VARs, work is ongoing to create a dedicated pool of VAR specialists. The VAR and AVAR in question were removed from their remaining fixtures in Match Round 7 in the Premier League and have not been included in the appointments for Match Round 8 this weekend. The PGMOL and The FA have also agreed to review the policy to allow match officials to officiate matches outside of FIFA or UEFA appointments.
## Conclusion
The PGMOL have released a statement outlining the changes they intend to make following their failure to award Luis Diaz’s goal during the 2-1 defeat at Tottenham. They have acknowledged that standards fell short of expectations and have identified key learnings to mitigate against the risk of a future error. They are committed to enhancing VAR performance through a new training programme and have removed the VAR and AVAR in question from their remaining fixtures in Match Round 7 in the Premier League. The PGMOL and The FA have also agreed to review the policy to allow match officials to officiate matches outside of FIFA or UEFA appointments.