Premier League clubs to vote on scrapping VAR from next season

Premier League clubs are to vote at an upcoming AGM on scrapping video assistant referee (VAR) system from the start of next season.

🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Premier League clubs to vote on proposal to scrap VAR from next season. Resolution formally submitted by Wolves to abolish system + will be on agenda at June 6 AGM. Any rule change needs 2/3s majority (14 of 20 members) to pass @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/QXK5ZgP0Ht

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) May 15, 2024

Wolves leading by example #wwfc https://t.co/ClGXHI8vEF pic.twitter.com/2jZh8bAKP5

— BEN MORTIMER (@mortimer_ben) May 15, 2024

A Wolves statement said the move came “after careful consideration and with the utmost respect for the Premier League, (referees body) PGMOL and our fellow competitors.

“There is no blame to be placed – 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.”

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.”

Wolves accepted the decision to introduce VAR was “made in good faith and with the best interests of football and the Premier League at its heart” but argued it has caused “numerous unintended negative consequences that are damaging the relationship between fans and football, and undermining the value of the Premier League brand”.

They listed a host of repercussions, such as:

– Impact on goal celebrations and the spontaneous passion that makes football special

– Frustration and confusion inside stadiums due to lengthy VAR checks and poor communication

– A more hostile atmosphere with protests, booing of the Premier League anthem and chants against VAR

– Overreach of VAR’s original purpose to correct clear and obvious mistakes, now overanalysing subjective decisions and compromising the game’s fluidity and integrity

– Diminished accountability of on-field officials, due to the safety net of VAR, leading to an erosion of authority on the pitch

– Continued errors despite VAR, with supporters unable to accept human error after multiple views and replays, damaging confidence in officiating standards

– Disruption of the Premier League’s fast pace with lengthy VAR checks and more added time, causing matches to run excessively long

– Constant discourse about VAR decisions often overshadowing the match itself, and tarnishing the reputation of the league

– Erosion of trust and reputation, with VAR fuelling completely nonsensical allegations of corruption
VAR has again been at the centre of multiple high-profile flashpoints in the past nine months.

The other most memorable complaint was when Nottingham Forest have written letters of complaint to — and considered suing — PGMOL, while also questioning the appointment of VAR Stuart Attwell after defeat at Everton last month.

IFAB (International Football Association Board), the independent body responsible for the laws of the game, states that VARs can only assist a match official in the event of a “clear and obvious error” or “serious missed incident” and will step in on decisions over goals, no goals, penalties, direct red cards or cases of mistaken identity.

In April, Sweden were the first country to reject implementing VAR after a fan backlash.

Supporters from clubs, where there must be a minimum of 51% fan-ownership, prompted the climbdown after the president of the Swedish Football Association, Fredrik Reinfeldt, had previously backed the idea.

Premier League clubs have a constitutional right to put forward rule changes, but need a two thirds (14-6) majority to pass.

This is what fans are saying with Premier League clubs to vote on scrapping VAR from next season…

@now_arsenaI: VAR IS NOT THE PROBLEM. IT’S THE PEOPLE USING IT.

@theavfcfaithful: VAR is not the issue, the incompetence from the referees is the problem. We need to vote on better referees, from around the world coming to the PL and better training.

@WallHeathWolves: I absolutely love my football club. Trying to save modern day football #wwfc

@jtcas6: Love you @Wolves trying to save football from the absolute shambles it has become #wwfc
No match going fan wants this nonsense in the game, just hope clubs don’t vote on self interest and listen to fans. Let season ticket holders vote you’d soon see the opinion on it 💩

@Palmyy29: Calling it now of it doesn’t get scrapped we are getting fucking abused by VAR next season – #wwfc

@Deaney999: Hilarious! They just don’t trust the performance of the referees on-field! 96% correct is another funny line – If we had 4x apologies for incorrect outcomes on VAR then 96% means nothing – This system still cost us around 10-12 points this season! It’s not fit for purpose! #wwfc

@APFM141: 👏 Fair play we’ve actually had enough and done something just hope the other clubs agree #wwfc

@bakes1970: Absolutely love that we’ve done this, which is something I’d think the vast majority of football fans would go for. But, when it almost inevitably gets voted out by six teams prepare ourselves for an even bigger shafting & almost certain relegation! #wwfc #wolves #VAR

@StevenP1994: Our football club potentially being the reason it’s fucked off and then hopefully improved… the joy of being able to celebrate a goal again!! 😍 not half heartedly celebrating wondering if it’s counting or not!! Please do the right thing and get rid for the match day goers #wwfc

@Deaney999: Tbh, I’d be shocked if even half of the 14 required voted to get rid.. The top 6 won’t care I don’t think.. At least we are putting it out there 🤷🏼‍♂️.. Let’s not forget however that football belongs to the fans.. Why do we not get a say?! #wwfc

@__MidlandWolf: I fucking beg you do. What a club we are 😂😂 #WWFC

@Dwarfio: Created European Football now trying to save football #wwfc

@DaveHo1mes: #WWFC 👏 I’m not sure there’s enough support for this to pass but you’d imagine #NFFC will be firmly behind them. I do think there’s a balance to be found where we keep the subjective decisions on the pitch and leave goal line technology and semi-automated offsides in place.

@ToonMouthTyne: I’m all for this…. just scrap it. Human error is forgivable. Human error with the aid of a highly advanced computer system that was brought in to PREVENT errors is NOT forgivable. There’ll be times when we miss #VAR if it goes but ultimately, scrapping is right decision.

@PieAFC87: The problem isn’t the technology. It’s the people using it. They need to be held accountable. Let fans know what’s going on, certain time frames to prevent too much delay. Simple things that would work and speed up the process and keep everyone happy.

@llabsamoht: This incredibly damaging to the PGMOL. Four years of VAR and the first real request for evolution comes in the form of a vote to abolish it because the PGMOL have blatantly had zero interest in improving their standard of refereeing alongside it whilst blaming everyone else.