Premier League Clubs Vote On Scrapping VAR

• Premier League clubs to vote on scrapping VAR: Clubs will discuss VAR’s future at their annual general meeting.
• Wolves propose to eliminate VAR: They argue it undermines the Premier League brand and negatively impacts relationships between fans and football.
• Decision requires 14 votes against VAR: To remove VAR, 14 of the 20 clubs must agree.
• Concerns include goal celebrations, check times, and communication: These factors contribute to the desire to scrap VAR.

Newsypeople- According to a motion lodged by Wolverhampton Wanderers, Premier League clubs are going to vote in their annual general meeting next month on getting rid of VAR.

This follows five seasons of VAR in the Premier League, with Wolves arguing that the benefits of a slight increase in accuracy do not justify the negative impacts on the spirit of the game.

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Those impacts include disruption to goal celebrations, a more hostile atmosphere within stadiums, and a perceived overreach of VAR’s original purpose to correct clear and obvious mistakes, instead analyzing subjective decisions and compromising the game’s fluidity and integrity.

Additionally, there are concerns about reduced accountability of on-field officials, continued errors despite VAR, disruption of the Premier League’s fast pace, and erosion of trust and reputation due to VAR-related controversies.

The reasons why Wolves have submitted a resolution to the Premier League to remove VAR, which all 20 clubs will vote on in June 🔍👀 pic.twitter.com/TjghCcMwtK

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 16, 2024

Despite these criticisms, the Premier League recognizes the concerns but fully supports VAR and remains committed to improving the system. Since its introduction, VAR has increased the percentage of correct decisions in games from 82% to 96%.

The league believes that removing VAR could lead to an increase in incorrect decisions and negatively impact its reputation among Europe’s leading divisions. Innovations such as semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) and in-stadium VAR announcements are cited as evidence of ongoing efforts to enhance the system.

The vote requires a two-thirds majority, meaning 14 of the 20 clubs must support the motion for it to pass. Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe said he would prefer to retain VAR but suggested keeping it for offsides and giving referees more power. This shows there will be a nuanced view within the league regarding the role and potential adjustments to VAR.

At the same time, the top Swedish division, Allsvenskan, became the first league in Europe to turn down the implementation of VAR, thus highlighting the difference of opinions running around Europe over the usage of technology in football.