Premier League Considers Dumping VAR Amid Controversy

Emmanuel EjioforMay 16, 20241 Mins read258

The Premier League is considering removing Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology following mounting dissatisfaction among clubs.

Wolverhampton Wanderers has tabled a resolution for discussion at the league’s upcoming meeting on June 6. If at least 14 of the 20 clubs agree, VAR could be scrapped.

Wolves argued that VAR has led to numerous unintended consequences, damaging the fan-football relationship and undermining the league’s brand.

“The decision to table the resolution has come after careful consideration and with the utmost respect for the Premier League, PGMOL (referees body) and our fellow competitors,” the club said.

“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.”

The Premier League acknowledged the concerns surrounding VAR but highlighted its role in improving decision accuracy from 82% to 96% this season.

However, critics, including former England player Wayne Rooney, argued that VAR is disrupting the flow of the game and leading to prolonged decision-making.

On Wednesday, as a pundit on Sky Sports, the Manchester United legend said, “We’re still getting human error with VAR, so if we’re going to still get that, let them just do it on the pitch because otherwise, it’s just slowing everything down.

“It’s taking minutes and minutes to get to the decision, which is still a human being making the final decision.”

Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon expressed frustration with VAR after a recent match against Manchester United, calling for either its improvement or removal.

Gordon’s manager, Eddie Howe, also supported reconsidering VAR’s role, adding that he would like “more power with the referees.”

Read: Japan’s Multinational, Toshiba, to Cut 4,000 Jobs Under New Ownership