VAR scrapping: All but one Premier League team vote against

In a decisive vote on Thursday, Premier League clubs have reportedly voted 19 to 1 against a proposal to abolish the use of VAR technology. The motion, initiated by Wolverhampton Wanderers in May, sought to eliminate the Video Assistant Referee system following a series of contentious decisions that impacted their season.

To discontinue VAR, the proposal required the support of 14 out of the 20 Premier League clubs. Despite widespread frustration over the technology’s application, the overwhelming majority chose to retain it.

The league released a statement affirming the decision: “Premier League clubs today voted in favour of continuing to operate VAR in the Premier League. While VAR produces more accurate decision-making, it was agreed that improvements should be made for the benefit of the game and supporters.”

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The statement continued: “As part of thorough discussions at the Annual General Meeting, it was agreed that PGMOL, the Premier League, and clubs all have important roles to play in improving the system and its reputation. As part of ongoing work to improve VAR, six key areas were focused on as part of discussions with clubs.”

A significant incident highlighting VAR’s issues occurred in October, involving Luis Diaz’s disallowed goal against Tottenham. The goal was incorrectly ruled offside due to a breakdown in communication among officials, prompting Liverpool to demand a “review with full transparency” from the Premier League.

Additionally, Wolves manager Gary O’Neil expressed his frustration in November after three incorrect VAR decisions affected their match against Fulham. O’Neil remarked, “I’ve always been for VAR, but I think it’s causing a big problem at the moment. I’m managing a big football club here – the difference you’re making to my reputation, the club’s progression up the league, people’s livelihoods is huge. It can’t be with all the technology, in the best league in the world, it can’t be OK. We should discuss the game really but unfortunately we have to discuss this.”

Despite these issues, clubs appear more inclined to seek substantial improvements and modifications to the current system rather than abandoning it. According to the league, VAR has increased correct decisions from 82 percent before its implementation to 96 percent this past season.

Malcolm Clarke, chair of the Football Supporters Association, shared his perspective with BBC Sport, stating, “Most fans agree with Wolves. The support for the introduction of VAR originally has collapsed and 80 percent of fans now say the experience is poor or very poor, so we cannot go on with this as we are. Most of our members think the price of spoiling the match experience is not a price worth paying for a small increase in accurate decisions.”

Clarke added, “It’s good Wolves have tabled this, it has been a catalyst for a real debate and whatever happens it’s essential that debate continues.”

Key Points:

• Premier League clubs voted 19 to 1 against scrapping VAR.
• Wolverhampton Wanderers initiated the proposal after several controversial VAR decisions.
• The proposal required 14 out of 20 clubs to vote in favor of scrapping VAR.
• Premier League clubs agree that VAR should continue but with improvements.
• An independent review and PGMOL are involved in efforts to enhance the system.
• Luis Diaz’s disallowed goal against Tottenham and other incidents highlight VAR’s flaws.
• Wolves manager Gary O’Neil criticized VAR after incorrect decisions affected their match against Fulham.
• The league reports VAR has improved decision accuracy from 82% to 96%.
• Football Supporters Association’s Malcolm Clarke voiced fans’ dissatisfaction with VAR.
• The debate on VAR’s future is ongoing, with calls for significant reforms.