Premier League clubs to vote on scrapping VAR from next season after Wolves launch resolution
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Published 15/05/2024 at 19:51 GMT+1
Premier League clubs will be able to "put forward proposals" around the future of VAR in the English top-flight following a proposal by Wolves to abolish the officiating system. The club said "it is time for a constructive and critical debate" around VAR's impact on the game, after a number of high-profile incidents have caused mass criticism of its impact in matches.
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Premier League clubs are set to voice their opinions on VAR at the upcoming annual general meeting next month, after Wolverhampton Wanderers submitted a proposal to scrap the officiating system on Wednesday.
VAR has been placed under intense scrutiny since its introduction in 2019. But discourse around its impact in elite football has been particularly prevalent this season following a significant number of contentious decisions over incidents in matches.
The resolution put forward by Wolves, which the club says is submitted with the "utmost respect for the Premier League, (referees body) PGMOL and our fellow competitors", will allow representatives of all 20 top-flight clubs to vote on whether to scrap VAR.
The statement read: “The decision to table the resolution has come after careful consideration and with the utmost respect for the Premier League, [refereeing 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.”
Wolves added that the decision to introduce VAR in 2019 was made "in good faith" and with "the best interests of football and the Premier League at its heart".
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.”
There have been huge moments of controversy surrounding VAR this season, including Anthony Gordon's winning goal against Arsenal in November, which Mikel Arteta labelled "a disgrace". Nottingham Forest also questioned the integrity of VAR Stuart Attwell and considered suing refereeing body PGMOL following their defeat to Everton in April.
Another incident in October which saw Luiz Diaz's goal incorrectly ruled out for offside prompted the Premier League's response that the decision highlighted "systemic weaknesses in the VAR process".
VAR's negative consequences "damaging relationship between fans and football"
Wolves listed a number of negative repercussions in order to bolster their argument that VAR should be scrapped this summer.
The club said the following consequences of VAR's involvement in the game is "damaging".
The list includes:
- "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".
Wolves must gain the backing of 13 of the other 19 Premier League clubs in order for the motion to be passed, which would see the immediate abolition of VAR ahead of the 2024-25 season.
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