A proposal to remove the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system from Premier League matches will be deliberated upon by the league's 20 clubs during the upcoming annual general meeting on June 6. The proposal, submitted by Wolverhampton, necessitates at least 14 clubs' approval to enact the removal.
Wolves cited various "unintended negative consequences" of VAR, which they argue have damaged the rapport between fans and football, as well as undermined the Premier League's brand value.
The club emphasized that the decision to present the resolution was made after thorough consideration and with respect towards all stakeholders involved in the sport.
Wolverhampton stated, "Our position is that the incremental gain in accuracy achieved by VAR is outweighed by the disruption it brings to the essence of the game. Therefore, we advocate for its removal starting from the 2024/25 season."
Acknowledging the concerns raised, the Premier League confirmed that VAR's future would be discussed at the AGM, affirming their commitment to enhancing the system alongside the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).
The league posited that eliminating VAR might lead to a surge in incorrect decisions. They highlighted an increase in correct decisions from 82% prior to VAR's introduction to 96% in the current season.
Despite being prevalent in most top European leagues, the Swedish league remains an exception by not utilizing video review.
Former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney voiced his discontent with VAR, labeling it as a detractor from the enjoyment of the game due to prolonged decision-making processes.
Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon criticized VAR following his team's recent match, asserting that its implementation had not rectified officiating errors adequately.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe expressed his inclination towards reverting to the traditional method of refereeing decisions, suggesting that referees should have more autonomy in game-changing situations.
The discussions at the AGM will shape the future trajectory of VAR in the Premier League, with diverging perspectives on its efficacy and impact on the sport.
