The debate over VAR’s future in the Premier League is heating up, with Tottenham and other clubs taking strong stances. Wolves triggered the vote to reassess VAR, claiming it strains the fan-sport relationship and contradicts the game’s spirit. This pivotal vote will be decided at the Premier League shareholders’ meeting on June 6 in Harrogate.
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has been vocal against VAR, urging its removal. He criticized the constant scrutinization and the disruption it causes. “With VAR, the more we use it, the worse it’s going to get. It’s not our game,” Postecoglou said back in November. He emphasized that the frequent stoppages diminish the frenetic pace that defines English football.
Despite Wolves’ push to abandon VAR, they need 14 clubs to agree. However, most Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, and West Ham, support keeping VAR but seek improvements. The Premier League has already made tweaks ahead of the 2024/25 season, introducing automatic offside technology to cut decision times by 31 seconds.
Howard Webb, the chief of English referees, plans further changes to enhance transparency. These include on-field announcements during VAR checks, with audio broadcasted in stadiums. This aims to keep fans informed and engaged during reviews.
Ahead of the crucial vote, the Premier League affirmed its commitment to VAR: “The league fully supports the use of VAR and remains committed to making continued improvements for the benefit of the game and fans.” The league acknowledged the concerns and emphasized ongoing efforts with PGMOL to enhance the system.
Wolves argue that VAR’s introduction in 2019/20, though well-intentioned, has had unintended negative consequences. They believe it damages the fan-football relationship and undermines the Premier League brand. “The introduction of VAR was a decision made in good faith… However, it has led to numerous unintended negative consequences,” a Wolves statement read.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca have also voiced opinions on VAR. Arteta criticized VAR’s implementation following a controversial decision last November. Meanwhile, Maresca expressed his support for VAR’s use in the Championship.
In a Nutshell
The upcoming vote will determine VAR’s future in the Premier League. While the technology aims to improve decision-making, its implementation remains contentious. Tottenham and other clubs’ opinions highlight the ongoing struggle to balance technological accuracy with the traditional flow of the game. The outcome of this vote could shape the future of football officiating in England.
