Premier League clubs have voted to keep VAR in action ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Wolves had led a push to scrap the system after a series of errors, but at a vote on Thursday, the decision was made to keep it in place.
The majority of clubs have indicated a desire to see improvements made to the VAR process, rather than a complete removal of the technology.
“While VAR produces more accurate decision-making, it was agreed that improvements should be made for the benefit of the game and supporters,” a statement read.
“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.”
The statement explains a desire to improve in six key areas:
- Maintaining a high threshold for VAR intervention to deliver greater consistency and less 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 the 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 the implementation of more robust VAR training to improve consistency, including an emphasis on speed of process while preserving accuracy.
- Increasing transparency and communication around VAR – including expanded communications from Premier League Match Centre and through broadcast programming such as “Match Officials Mic’d Up”.
- The delivery of a fan and stakeholder VAR communication campaign, which will seek to further clarify VAR’s role in the game to participants and supporters.
2024 will see the implementation of semi-automated offside technology, which is designed to speed up the VAR process and reduce the potential for mistakes.
There are also plans for live broadcasts of video and audio of VAR decisions to ensure spectators are informed on the ongoing processes.
What we know
- Premier League clubs have voted to keep VAR in use ahead of the 2024/25 season
- Wolves led push to see technology scrapped after series of errors
- Improvements in system to be made next season.