Premier League clubs will vote at next month's annual general meeting on a Wolves proposal to ax video assistant referees from the start of next season.
The VAR has been a topic of controversy since its introduction in 2019-20 and Wolves have submitted a resolution to the league calling for its abolition, prompting a vote by all 20 clubs at June's AGM in Harrogate. A resolution requires 14 clubs to vote in favor to pass.
Wolves have been aggrieved by a series of VAR decisions this season, with their chairman Jeff Shi expressing his frustration last month. Arsenal and Nottingham Forest They are among the other clubs publicly question the use of the system.
In a statement, Wolves said: “After five seasons with VAR in the Premier League, it is time for a constructive and critical debate about its future. “Our position is that the price we are paying for a small increase in accuracy goes against the spirit of our game and, as a result, we should eliminate it starting with the 2024-25 season.”
Wolves listed a number of reasons for their ruling and said VAR is currently “undermining the value of the Premier League brand” inadvertently. They said the “erosion of trust and reputation” has fueled “completely absurd accusations of corruption.”
A Premier League spokesperson said: “The Premier League can confirm that it will facilitate a discussion on VAR with our clubs at next month's annual general meeting.
“Clubs have the right to present proposals at shareholder meetings and we recognize the concerns and problems related to the use of VAR.
“However, the league fully supports the use of VAR and remains committed, together with PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited), to making continuous improvements to the system for the benefit of the game and the fans.”
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League officials have met with Wolves representatives to address their concerns. Any club can submit a proposal, but the Premier League board is understood to be convinced that scrapping VAR would not be a positive step, partly because it would likely subject decisions made by referees to even greater scrutiny.
Within PGMOL and the league there is a belief that VAR is an important tool for referees. It has helped increase the number of correct decisions made in matches from 82% before its introduction to 96% this season. There is a view that the introduction of semi-automatic offside technology and VAR announcements in the stadium will further improve decision-making, increase transparency and reduce delays.
