Premier League Clubs May Vote to Stop Using VAR

Many people in the Premier League are not happy with VAR. Clubs will vote soon to decide if they should stop using it. Some think it makes the game worse, while others want to make it better.
By Newsroom | Football, England |

The future of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the English Premier League is a subject of intense debate, with prominent figures and clubs demanding its removal due to a series of contentious decisions. While proponents argue for improvements, a significant push exists to abolish VAR entirely, citing its detrimental impact on the game.

The 2023/24 Premier League season has been marked by widespread frustration with VAR. Calls for its abolition have intensified, spearheaded by former players and supported by clubs, including Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have formally requested a vote on its removal. This situation has created a palpable tension within the league, as officials grapple with how to address the growing dissatisfaction among fans and participants.

'I scored 208 Premier League goals - VAR is terrible and needs to be scrapped' - 1

Timeline of Dissatisfaction and Calls for Change

The use of VAR in the Premier League, introduced with the aim of improving decision-making, has faced criticism since its inception. However, the past season has seen a surge in public outcry and formal challenges.

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  • August 14, 2023: Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana's collision with Wolves player Sasa Kalajdzic at Old Trafford went unpunished, a decision that fueled early season discontent for Wolves.

  • Throughout 2023/24 Season: Numerous controversial decisions involving VAR have led to widespread complaints regarding both the time taken and the accuracy of the interventions. Clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, and Nottingham Forest have issued strong statements criticizing officiating and VAR.

  • May 2024: Wolverhampton Wanderers formally requested a vote to scrap VAR at the Premier League's annual general meeting. This move signaled a significant challenge to the technology's continued use.

  • June 6, 2024: The Premier League's 20 top clubs are scheduled to vote on whether to end VAR's use in the league.

  • August 14, 2024: Ahead of the new season, the Premier League has outlined a six-point plan aimed at improving VAR, while also cautioning clubs against public criticism of the technology.

Key Actors in the VAR Discourse

Several individuals and entities have been central to the ongoing debate surrounding VAR in the Premier League.

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'I scored 208 Premier League goals - VAR is terrible and needs to be scrapped' - 2

  • Wayne Rooney: A former Manchester United and England captain, Rooney has been a vocal critic, stating, "VAR is terrible and needs to be scrapped." He points to specific incidents, such as Manchester City's disallowed goal against Liverpool, arguing for simpler, on-field refereeing.

  • Wolverhampton Wanderers: This club has taken a leading role in advocating for VAR's abolition, submitting a formal request for a vote and highlighting numerous decisions that have gone against them.

  • Premier League Clubs: While clubs like Wolves are pushing for abolition, others, including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham, are expected to participate in the crucial vote. The Premier League itself, along with PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited), is reportedly focused on improving VAR rather than scrapping it.

  • Managers and Players: A significant number of managers have voiced their frustrations. Some, like Tottenham's Ange Postecoglou, have called for VAR's removal, while others may prefer improvements. The Premier League has sought feedback from managers and captains to inform its improvement plans.

Controversial Incidents Fueling the Debate

A series of high-profile VAR errors and controversial decisions have significantly contributed to the widespread dissatisfaction.

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  • Manchester City vs. Liverpool (Recent Weekend): A disallowed goal for Manchester City, amidst what Rooney described as "madness," has become a focal point for criticism. Rooney suggested a simple call: "Just give the goal, don't give the red card, simple as that."

  • Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Manchester United (August 14, last year): The failure of VAR to award a penalty after Andre Onana's challenge on Sasa Kalajdzic was a major point of contention for Wolves.

  • West Ham vs. Manchester United (2024): A controversial penalty awarded to West Ham in stoppage time, with a late collision between Matthijs de Ligt and Danny Ings, was later deemed the "most incorrect VAR decision of the season" by a Key Match Incident panel.

  • Liverpool vs. Spurs (Past Season): Luis Diaz's goal for Liverpool was wrongly disallowed for offside, a clear error that highlighted systemic issues.

The Case for Abolition

Arguments for scrapping VAR often center on its perceived negative impact on the flow and spirit of the game.

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'I scored 208 Premier League goals - VAR is terrible and needs to be scrapped' - 3

  • "Breaking the Beautiful Game": Critics argue that VAR disrupts the natural progression of play and detracts from the spontaneity that makes football appealing.

  • Inconsistency and Errors: Despite its purpose, VAR has repeatedly been associated with incorrect decisions and "blunders," leading to a loss of faith in its efficacy. A review panel noted a specific VAR error was deemed the "most incorrect" of the season.

  • Undermining Referees: Some believe that constant VAR reviews can undermine the authority and decision-making of on-field referees.

Arguments for Improvement and Retention

Conversely, those who advocate for retaining VAR, or at least seeking improvements, highlight its potential benefits.

  • Reducing Clear Errors: The intention behind VAR is to correct "clearly wrong" decisions that could significantly alter match outcomes.

  • Improving Red Card Decisions: While penalties remain a point of contention, one analysis indicated VAR might be improving on red card decisions, with one instance seeing a red card overturned on appeal.

  • Structured Changes: The Premier League and PGMOL are pursuing a "six-point plan" and tightening guidelines to ensure VAR is used only for the most egregious errors, respecting the on-field official's call otherwise.

  • Club Support: While Wolves are pushing for abolition, the Premier League believes a majority of coaches are in favor of keeping VAR, with a focus on refining its application.

Analysis of VAR's Impact and Future

The data on VAR's performance presents a complex picture. In the past season, a record number of goals were scored, with a relatively small fraction disallowed after VAR reviews.

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'I scored 208 Premier League goals - VAR is terrible and needs to be scrapped' - 4
MetricCount
Total Goals Scored1,246 (This season)
Goals Ruled Out by VAR46 (This season)
Incorrect VAR Uses (Last Season)31
VAR Explanations on Social MediaIntroduced for transparency

While statistics might suggest VAR intervenes in a limited number of cases, the impact of those interventions, particularly when perceived as incorrect, has generated significant backlash. The ongoing debate suggests that while outright abolition is a possibility, the Premier League and PGMOL are leaning towards iterative improvements to the system, attempting to find a balance between technological assistance and the integrity of on-field officiating. The upcoming vote will be pivotal in determining VAR's immediate future in the league.

Conclusion: A Crossroads for Premier League Officiating

The Premier League stands at a critical juncture regarding the use of VAR. The fervent calls for its abolition, backed by significant figures like Wayne Rooney and a formal request from Wolverhampton Wanderers, highlight a deep-seated dissatisfaction. This discontent is fueled by a series of controversial incidents and a perception that VAR, as currently implemented, detracts from the game.

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However, the Premier League and PGMOL are actively pursuing a strategy of improvement rather than outright removal. Their proposed six-point plan and refined guidelines aim to ensure VAR is utilized more judiciously, focusing only on the most blatant errors. The upcoming vote on June 6th will represent a definitive moment, where the collective will of the 20 clubs will dictate whether VAR continues in its current form, undergoes significant reform, or is ultimately scrapped. The outcome will have profound implications for the future of officiating and the spectator experience in English football.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are people unhappy with VAR?
Some people think VAR makes too many mistakes and stops the game too much.
Q: What do clubs want to do?
Some clubs want to stop using VAR completely. Others want to try and make it work better.
Q: When will they decide?
The Premier League clubs will vote on June 6, 2024.
Q: What happens if they stop VAR?
If they vote to stop VAR, it will not be used in the Premier League anymore.