No more VAR? Premier League clubs to vote over scrapping technology
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VAR has come under added scrutiny in recent months | Imago

No more VAR? Premier League clubs to vote over scrapping technology

Faruq Ibrahim 18:53 - 15.05.2024

Premier League clubs are reportedly scheduled to vote over keeping or scrapping VAR ahead of the 2024/25 season.

VAR days in the Premier League could be numbered, as according to a recent report, EPL clubs are set to vote over scrapping the technology at the start of next season. 

Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was introduced to the Premier League in 2019; however, the innovation has been met with antagonism by sectors of the fans and media since its inception. 

The Premier League is now considering scrapping the technology following another season of VAR-led controversies, after a petition from Wolves. 

The vote, according to the Athletic, per the Daily Mail, will be held during the league's next general meeting in Harrogate on June 6. Should a two-thirds majority be achieved, Premier League referees will be without video assistance next season. 

Wolves statement 

The statement from the West Midlands club triggered the reportedly scheduled vote. In the statement, Wolves listed nine negative consequences of the technology, including its impact on goal celebrations, frustration in stadiums during lengthy VAR checks, continuous errors from the technology, etc.

The statement Wolves reads as follows:

“After careful consideration and with the utmost respect for the Premier League, (referees body) PGMOL and our fellow competitors.”

Premier League clubs || Imago
Premier League clubs || Imago

“There is no blame to be placed — we are all just looking for the best possible outcome for football — and all stakeholders have been working hard to try and make the introduction of additional technology a success.

“However, after five seasons of VAR in the Premier League, it is time for a constructive and critical debate on its future.

“Our position is that the price we are paying for a small increase in accuracy is at odds with the spirit of our game, and as a result, we should remove it from the 2024/25 season onwards.”

Per the report, a Premier League spokesperson confirmed that there would indeed be a discussion among the clubs in the league over the continued use of VAR.  

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