Premier League clubs have voted to retain the use of the assistant referee (VAR).
The vote on the use of VAR in top-flight games was launched after Wolves submitted a proposal to scrap the technology for the 2024-25 season.
For the proposal to pass, 14 of the 20 clubs had to vote to remove VAR.
But according to the BBC, their proposal was backfired heavily, with the Midlands club the only one to vote to scrap the technology.
But despite its support, it sounds like several clubs want a significant improvement in its use from next season.
A Premier League statement said: “Premier League clubs have today voted to continue using VAR in the Premier League.
“While VAR produces accurate decisions, it was agreed that improvements should be made for the benefit of the game and supporters.”
Clubs today voted to continue using VAR in the Premier League. Although VAR produces more accurate decisions, it was agreed that improvements should be made for the benefit of the game and supporters.
There are six areas of focus: pic.twitter.com/CzSvnvcizW
– Premier League (@premierleague) June 6, 2024
Six areas of focus
The Premier League has identified six areas of focus to improve the use of VAR. They are as follows:
1) Maintaining a high threshold for VAR intervention to bring greater consistency and less disruption to the flow of the game.
2) To reduce the delay of the game, primarily through the introduction of automatic offside technology (SAOT) and a high reserve limit for VAR intervention.
3) Improving the fan experience by reducing delays, on-field announcements from referees after a post-VAR decision change and where possible, improved presentation of games on the big screen to include all VAR interventions.
4) Collaborate with PGMOL in implementing rigorous VAR training to improve consistency, including emphasizing process speed while maintaining accuracy.
5) Increased transparency and communication about VAR – including enhanced communication from the Premier League’s matchmaking center and broadcast programs such as “The Match Officials Raise”.
6) The delivery of a communication campaign for fans and stakeholders of VAR, which will seek to explain in detail the role of VAR in the game to participants and supporters.
Automatic offsides are ready for the fall
The Premier League confirmed that the use of semi-automated offsides was expected to begin in the autumn – after the 2024-2025 campaign has started.
It was also confirmed that the league was working with IFAB to allow live video and audio broadcasts during matches to make decisions clearer to supporters.
The statement added: “It was confirmed in April that Semi-Automated Offside Technology will be introduced in autumn 2024.
“The technology will provide fast and consistent placement of the virtual offside line, based on virtual player tracking, and will produce high-quality broadcast images to ensure an enhanced on-field and broadcast experience for supporters.
“The Premier League and PGMOL will continue to lobby the IFAB to allow greater flexibility in the laws of the game to allow live video and audio broadcasts during VAR reviews.”
