Premier League Club Lays Out 9 Reasons VAR Must be Scrapped”

Premier League Clubs Call for VAR Scrapping: 9 Reasons Why

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, introduced in the 2019/20 season, has been a contentious issue in the English Premier League. Recently, clubs have been sending letters to the Premier League, advocating for the removal of VAR. Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves) has formally submitted a resolution to trigger a vote at the league’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in June, seeking to scrap VAR from the start of the 2024/25 season.

The introduction of VAR was made with the best interests of football and the Premier League in mind. However, it has led to several unintended negative consequences, damaging the relationship between fans and football, and undermining the Premier League brand. Here are nine reasons why Premier League clubs want VAR scrapped:

1. Impact on goal celebrations and spontaneous passion
2. 2. Frustration and confusion inside stadiums due to lengthy VAR checks and poor communication
3. A more hostile atmosphere with protests and chants against VAR
4. Overreach of VAR’s original purpose, compromising the game’s fluidity and integrity
5. Diminished accountability of on-field officials, leading to an erosion of authority on the pitch
6. Continued errors despite VAR, damaging confidence in officiating standards
7. Disruption of the Premier League’s fast pace with lengthy VAR checks and added time
8. Constant discourse about VAR decisions, often overshadowing the match itself
9.  Erosion of trust and reputation, with VAR fuelling allegations of corruption

Wolves’ statement emphasized that the decision to table the resolution was made after careful consideration and respect for the Premier League, PGMOL, and fellow competitors. The club believes that the price paid for a small increase in accuracy is at odds with the spirit of the game, and it’s time for a constructive debate on VAR’s future.

The vote at the AGM in June will determine the fate of VAR in the Premier League. If the resolution is passed, VAR will be removed from the start of the 2024/25 season onwards.