VAR could be SCRAPPED next season with Premier League sides to vote on change after club files motion
PREMIER LEAGUE clubs could scrap VAR from the start of next season.
Top-flight sides are set to vote on whether or not to continue using the video assistants following a complaint from Wolves.
According to The Athletic, the club have formally submitted a resolution to the Premier League calling for VAR to be scrapped.
In doing so, Wolves have triggered a vote from the 20 clubs on June 6.
A statement from Wolves reads: “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.”
The club added that they accept the decision to introduce VAR was “made in good faith” and “with the best interests of football and the Premier League at its heart”.
However, they now argue the practice has caused “numerous negative consequences”.
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Wolves also claim those consequences are “damaging the relationship between fans and football” as well as “undermining the value of the Premier League brand”.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Premier League 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.”
VAR was introduced in the Premier League from the start of the 2019/20 season, though.
The current campaign has seen multiple flashpoints caused by the use of video assistant referees, though.
Wolves' VAR complaints
Wolves have listed nine negative repercussions from the introduction of VAR in their complaint.
- 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
Liverpool wrongly had a goal disallowed in their controversial loss to Tottenham in September.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest have written letters of complaint to the PGMOL.
Forest even publicly questioned the appointment of VAR Stuart Attwell after their defeat to Everton last month.
Clubs in Sweden recently voted against introducing VAR to the country’s top-flight.