The Premier League will next month vote on a proposal to scrap VAR – but its chances of success have been described as ‘unlikely’.
A resolution to bin the highly controversial system, introduced in 2019, has been submitted by Wolves in what is a highly significant and potentially historic move.
The notion will be put to clubs at the AGM in Harrogate on June 6, and would need 14 votes (out of 20) to go through.
Premier League sources say the competition will oppose the move, and they are confident that they have enough backing to block it.
They point to their figures, which show a rise in correct decisions since the introduction of VAR from 82 per cent to 96 per cent, and instead will urge clubs to focus on improvements to the speed of the system. Next season, semi-automated decisions on offsides are set to be introduced.
Premier League clubs will vote on a proposal to scrap VAR next season at their AGM on June 6
The proposal has been put forward by Wolves who have had a number of VAR decisions go against them during the 2023-24 season
The most notable of which came when VAR didn’t give a penalty to Wolves after Andre Onana clattered into Sasa Kalajdzic in stoppage time of their 1-0 loss to Manchester United in August
Regardless, the Molineux-triggered move is seismic. Wolves have broken ranks and believe they will be backed by fed-up fans up and down the country,
A club statement said the proposal came ‘after careful consideration and with the utmost respect for the Premier League, (referees’ body) PGMOL and our fellow competitors’.
‘There is no blame to be placed,’ it added. ‘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.’
A Premier League spokesperson hit back, saying: ‘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.’
Top flight insiders are firm in their belief that removing VAR would increase the number of incorrect decisions. They point to semi-automated decisions and an improvement in communication inside stadiums as the future.
Early indications are that clubs will side with the Premier League but will use the vote as an opportunity to press for much-needed improvements to what they see as a flawed system. Discussions between sides are due to be held on Thursday.
Mail Sport understands a number of clubs will lobby for greater investment into VAR systems, with a specific view to accelerating decision times.
Liverpool’s Luis Diaz was controversially disallowed a goal against Tottenham following miscommunication between the on-field officials and the VAR official at Stockley Park
VAR official Darren England wrongly believed referee Simon Hooper’s on-field decision was that Diaz was onside, before saying that the check was complete
Nottingham Forest questioned the appointment of Stuart Attwell – who they claimed to be a Luton Town fan – as the VAR official during their defeat to Everton last month
Forest had three penalty appeals turned down during their defeat to Everton at Goodison Park
There is a sense that it would be self-defeating to walk away from VAR so deep into its existence.
Wolves have highlighted VAR’s negative impact on goal celebrations, frustration inside grounds at a lack of feedback over lengthy decisions, and a negative atmosphere with chants against VAR and the league as reasons behind their call.
They also claim VAR is overreaching and going beyond its original purpose to correct clear and obvious errors and is reducing the accountability of on-field officials, thanks to its ‘safety net’ factor.
Perhaps fundamentally, they also point out that the potential for human error remains and that VAR has fuelled ‘nonsensical allegations of corruption’.
Last month, Sweden became the first country to reject bringing in VAR following an adverse reaction from fans.
It is understood Wolves are hoping supporters will get behind their stance and create an irresistible momentum ahead of the Yorkshire summit.
After being denied what they thought were three clear penalties in a match at Everton last month, Nottingham Forest posted a controversial tweet that seemed to question the integrity of VAR official Stuart Attwell.
