Premier League clubs make decision on scrapping VAR for next season

Premier League clubs have voted in favor of continuing the use of VAR after a proposal to abolish it was put forward by Wolves.

Last month, Wolves proposed a motion to abolish VAR following a season marked by controversial decisions and widespread debate.

The motion was scheduled for discussion at the Premier League’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday, June 6.

It has now been confirmed that the other clubs have unanimously voted against the motion, with the motion being dismissed by a 19-1 vote.

It’s reported that clubs requested improvements to the usage of VAR, with reporter Ben Jacobs noting that the vote “proved a healthy forum for debate and positive discussion.”

A Premier League statement reads: “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.”

Additionally, the Premier League has confirmed that following the discussions between clubs, there will be a focus on six main areas for improving VAR next season:

• – Maintaining a high threshold of VAR intervention to deliver greater consistency and fewer interruptions to the flow of the game.
• -Reducing delays to the game, primarily through the introduction of semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) and the maintained high threshold for VAR intervention.
• – Improving fan experience through a reduction in delays, in-stadium announcements from referees after a post-VAR change of decision, and where possible, an enhanced offering of big screen replays to include all VAR interventions.
• – Working with PGMOL on implementing more robust VAR training to improve consistency, including an emphasis on the speed of the process while preserving accuracy.
• – Increasing transparency and communication around VAR – including expanded communications from the Premier League Match Centre and through broadcast programming such as Match Officials Mic’d Up.
• – Delivering a fan and stakeholder VAR communication campaign, which will seek to further clarify VAR’s role in the game to participants and supporters.