Premier League clubs have voted to retain VAR technology but have emphasized the need for significant improvements to enhance the game and the experience for supporters, reported by GOAL.
Wolves, a Premier League side, put forth a resolution to abandon VAR after a season full of controversies and debates surrounding the technology. The vote saw a decisive outcome with clubs voting 19-1 in favor of keeping VAR. For the motion to pass, it would have required 14 out of 20 clubs to vote in favor, but it was soundly defeated, demonstrating strong support for maintaining VAR.
In an official statement, the Premier League said: “Premier League clubs today voted in favor of continuing to operate VAR in the Premier League. While VAR produces more accurate decision-making, it was agreed that improvements should be made for the benefit of the game and supporters. As part of thorough discussions at the Annual General Meeting, it was agreed that PGMOL, the Premier League, and clubs all have important roles to play in improving the system and its reputation.”
Areas for improvement in VAR
The Premier League highlighted six key areas where they plan to make improvements based on discussions with the clubs:
High Threshold for VAR Intervention: Maintain a high threshold for VAR intervention to ensure greater consistency and fewer interruptions to the game’s flow.
Reducing Delays: Focus on minimizing game delays by introducing semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) and upholding a high threshold for VAR interventions.
Enhancing Fan Experience: Improve the experience for fans by reducing delays, making in-stadium announcements from referees after VAR decisions, and enhancing big screen replays to include all VAR interventions.
Robust VAR Training: Work with PGMOL to implement more robust VAR training to improve consistency and emphasize speed while maintaining accuracy.
Transparency and Communication: Increase transparency and communication around VAR, including more detailed communications from the Premier League Match Centre and through broadcast programming such as “Match Officials Mic’d Up.”
Fan Communication Campaign: Launch a communication campaign to clarify VAR’s role in the game for participants and supporters, enhancing understanding and acceptance of the technology.
The decision to retain VAR, despite its controversies, underscores the Premier League's commitment to accurate decision-making in football. However, the call for improvements indicates an understanding that the technology must evolve to better serve the game and its stakeholders.
What’s next for the Premier League
Significant changes are expected in the Premier League next season, particularly with the introduction of semi-automated offside technology (SAOT). This technology, which has already been used in the Champions League and World Cup, promises to make offside decisions quicker and more accurate, thus reducing delays and controversies.
Additionally, the Premier League’s efforts to improve the fan experience and increase transparency around VAR decisions are crucial steps towards rebuilding trust and ensuring that the technology enhances, rather than detracts from, the excitement of the game.
While the decision to retain VAR reflects its importance in modern football, the Premier League’s commitment to improving its implementation is a positive step forward. By addressing the identified areas for improvement, the Premier League aims to create a smoother, more enjoyable experience for players, coaches, and fans alike. As these changes take effect, the hope is that VAR will become a more seamlessly integrated part of the beautiful game, contributing to its fairness and excitement.
Follow Us
Subscribe
