Premier League clubs to vote on scrapping VAR ahead of next season
Premier League clubs will vote on a proposal to scrap VAR this summer, with Wolves listing nine reasons why it should be scrapped.
The technology was introduced in the English first category at the start of the 2019/20 season to assist referees in key decisions.
However, var has proven to be a constant source of controversy since arriving in the Premier League amid a series of controversial and inconsistent decisions.
As a result, all 20 clubs will vote on their possible elimination at the Premier League's next annual meeting on June 6, with Wolves officially submitting a proposal for the change.
Wolves want it removed this summer ahead of the 2024/25 season, and 14 clubs must vote in favor for the motion to be approved.
In a statement, Wolves, who listed nine reasons why they believe VAR should be scrapped, said: “The introduction of VAR in 2019/20 was a decision taken in good faith and taking into account the best interests of football and of the Premier League.” .
“However, it has had numerous unintended negative consequences that are damaging the relationship between fans and football, and undermining the value of the Premier League brand.
Wolves added that the move came “after careful consideration and with the utmost respect for the Premier League, (refereeing body) PGMOL and our fellow competitors.”
The statement continued: “There is no one to blame, we are all simply looking for the best possible outcome for football and all stakeholders have been working hard to try to make the introduction of additional technology a success.
“However, after five seasons with VAR in the Premier League, it is time for a constructive and critical debate about its future.
Wolves' list of VAR 'negative consequences': do you agree?
- Impact on goal celebrations and the spontaneous passion that makes football special.
- Frustration and confusion within stadiums due to lengthy VAR checks and poor communication.
- A more hostile environment with protests, boos of the Premier League anthem and chants against the VAR.
- The original purpose of VAR to correct clear and obvious errors has been exceeded, now analyzing subjective decisions and compromising the fluidity and integrity of the game.
- Decreased responsibility of referees on the field, due to the safety net of VAR, leading to an erosion of authority on the field.
- Continuous errors despite VAR, and fans could not accept human error after multiple views and replays, damaging confidence in refereeing standards.
- Disruption of the fast pace of the Premier League with lengthy VAR checks and more added time, causing matches to become excessively long.
- The constant talk about VAR decisions often overshadows the match itself and tarnishes the reputation of the league.
- Erosion of trust and reputation, with the VAR fueling completely absurd accusations of corruption.
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“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 remove it from the 2024/25 season.”
But talkSPORT understands Wolves are unlikely to receive support from at least 13 more clubs, which would allow the vote to pass.
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, to making continued improvements to the system for the benefit of the game and the fans.”
The Premier League has the power to veto the vote, but if it is allowed to go ahead then, as mentioned, at least 14 clubs will need to vote in favour.
PGMOL boss Howard Webb recently proposed a change to VAR allowing referees use public address systems in the stadiums to explain the decisions.
In April, Nottingham Forest published a awesome statement after their 2-0 defeat to Everton to attack the referee, in which they said they “warned the PGMOL that the VAR is a Luton fan”.
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This came after three controversial penalties were not awarded in their favour, with Forest and Luton two clubs fighting to avoid relegation.
Arguably the most controversial appearance of VAR this season came in Tottenham's 2-1 home win against Liverpool.
Luis Díaz scored for the Reds, but the goal was incorrectly disallowed for offside amid replays that showed it was in play.
The PGMOL released the audio from the Stockley Park VAR room which showed the blunder, which was described as a “major human error”.
