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Premier League clubs have voted to retain VAR, with six enhancements proposed for its improvement.

Chris Stuart

Liverpool is among the 19 Premier League clubs reported to have voted in favour of retaining VAR.



Wolves' proposal to eliminate video assistant referees was overwhelmingly defeated by a 19 to one majority, deciding to keep them in the Premier League.


A statement from the league read: "Premier League clubs today voted to continue the operation of VAR in the Premier League.


"While acknowledging that VAR leads to more accurate decision-making, it was agreed that enhancements are needed for the benefit of the game and its supporters.


During the Annual General Meeting's comprehensive discussions, it was concluded that PGMOL, the Premier League, and the clubs all play vital roles in improving the system and its perception."


The league then proceeded to outline the six areas of focus for improvement.


The improvements

  • Maintaining a high threshold for VAR intervention to deliver greater consistency and less interruptions to the flow of the game.

  • Reducing delays to the game, primarily through the introduction of semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) and the maintained high threshold for VAR intervention.

  • Improving fan experience through a reduction in the delays, in-stadium announcements from referees after a post-VAR change of decision and where possible, an enhanced offering of big screen replays to include all VAR interventions.

  • Working with PGMOL on the implementation of more robust VAR training to improve consistency, including an emphasis on speed of process while preserving accuracy.

  • Increasing transparency and communication around VAR – including expanded communications from Premier League Match Centre and through broadcast programming such as “Match Officials Mic’d Up”.

  • The delivery of a fan and stakeholder VAR communication campaign, which will seek to further clarify VAR’s role in the game to participants and supporters.


This autumn, we will witness the debut of semi-automated offsides, similar to those used in the Champions League and Europa League.


The Premier League's statement further noted: "The technology will enable quicker and more consistent placement of the virtual offside line, utilizing optical player tracking, and will generate superior broadcast graphics to enhance the experience for supporters both in the stadium and watching the broadcast.


"The Premier League and PGMOL will persist in their efforts to persuade IFAB to introduce more flexibility into the Laws of the Game, permitting live video and audio broadcasts during VAR reviews."

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