Next month, the Premier League will vote on a proposal submitted by Wolves to eliminate VAR, though its prospects for success are considered ‘unlikely’.
Personally I’ve grown tired of the elongated time it takes video referees to make a decision but mostly it’s stopped me celebrating goals like I used to.
The vote will take place June 6, requiring 14 out of 20 votes to pass the motion and it will be interesting to see how West Ham vote.
Premier League sources indicate that the league will oppose the move and believe they have sufficient support to prevent it. They cite statistics showing an increase in decision accuracy from 82 percent to 96 percent since VAR’s introduction and plan to encourage clubs to focus on enhancing the system’s speed. Next season is set to see the introduction of semi-automated offside decisions.
A club statement explained the proposal arose ‘after careful consideration and with the utmost respect for the Premier League, (referees’ body) PGMOL, and our fellow competitors.’ It added, “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.”
Responding to the proposal, a Premier League spokesperson said, “The Premier League can confirm it will facilitate a discussion on VAR with our clubs at the annual general meeting next month. Clubs are entitled to put forward proposals at shareholders’ meetings, and we acknowledge the concerns and issues around the use of VAR. However, the league fully supports the use of VAR and remains committed, alongside PGMOL, to make continued improvements to the system for the benefit of the game and fans.”
League insiders firmly believe that removing VAR would lead to an increase in incorrect decisions. They point to upcoming semi-automated decisions and improved communication within stadiums as the way forward.
Early indications suggest that clubs will align with the Premier League but will use the vote as an opportunity to push for significant improvements to what they perceive as a flawed system. Discussions among clubs are scheduled for tomorrow.
Wolves have pointed out VAR’s negative impacts, such as dampened goal celebrations, in-stadium frustration over lengthy decisions, and a souring atmosphere with chants against VAR and the league, as reasons for their proposal.
VAR should be replaced with 4 linesmen, this would give us greater accuracy. If for instance 2 linesman flag for offside it’s a given, if only 1 flags its up to the ref.
On another point, picking up the ball, should be treated like kicking it away
….and two referees!!
Gary, I’ve been saying that to my mates for years. The money in football it would not ruin the FA’s bank balances one bit.
I’d like to see a time limit for making the decision, 30-45 seconds, if it’s not obvious in that amount of time then it’s not significant.
Like Gary & Trevor, I also support the idea of 2 ref’s and 4 linesman.
All connected by radio. The linesman should have an agreed flag signal to say that they had a clear view of the “incident” in question.
The 2 ref’s, one ahead of the play and one behind, could then discuss the incident. The “senior” ref could then make the final decision.
Do away with the multiple screen shots and video replays and armchair experts and get on with the game.
The only cameras needed would be the goaline camera, to decide whether the ball has crossed the line.
They just need to use VAR for what it was originally intended, clear and obvious errors. Not for analysing things in the minutest detail for minutes on end and basically looking for a reason to rule out a goal.
I’m still amazed at how we managed for all those years without VAR and instant replays and ref’s that treat diving and feigning injury as acceptable behaviour for “professional sportsmen”.
Was the game less entertaining or exciting before the introduction of VAR and match officials who are prevented from making decisions and crucially, maintaining the flow of the game?
Ban VAR.
Flag up immediately for offside
Yellow card for diving.
Yellow card for feigning injury.
Referee’s to enforce all rules
How about adopting a 10 min Sin Bin” for a trial period?
Bin VAR as it’s not made the game better. Adopt automatic offside technology, keep goal line tech and hand the game back to Referees.
Firstly …. Moyes and VAR gone in one month . Double whammy . WONDERFUL .
Secondly …. 4 refs and 10 linies would not help one bit . VAR is a ” machine ” and is only as good as the people operating it . The standard of the officials is awful and the VAR operators are worse . Every single person involved has a different slant on the rules so there can never be 100% agreement . Overhaul the rules and get rid of big toe offsides and crazy handballs and recruit a group of ex pros who know the game and teach them how to operate VAR which will stop people who are poor at their job overruling other incompetent people doing exactly the same thing .
I think var has made offside more precise, the same as goal line technology has made goals more precise, I think that the problem occurs when it involves penalties , handballs ect which relies on people’s opinions . Having numerous linesman ect would still rely on people’s opinions which will always be controversial, when we concede a goal but var picks up an offside we all let out a sigh of relief? I think var is a good thing, although I must admit sometimes a bit tedious with the amount of time it can take, as I said I think var has made the offside rule precise