Premier League clubs are ready to hold a vote at their annual general meeting next month on a proposal to abolish the video assistant referee (VAR) system from the start of next season.
Since its introduction in 2019, VAR has been both a boon and a bane in the English top flight, aiding decision-making while also stirring up consistent debate.
The recent 2023–24 season has seen its fair share of contentious moments, fueling further critique and casting doubts on the league’s integrity.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have taken a bold step by officially submitting a resolution to the Premier League, advocating for the abandonment of VAR this summer.
This move has triggered a scheduled vote, slated to take place during the clubs’ annual gathering in Harrogate on June 6.
In a statement, Wolves expressed their decision as a result of thorough deliberation, showcasing respect for the league, the referees’ body (PGMOL), and their fellow competitors.
“There is no blame to be placed — we are all just looking for the best possible outcome for football — and all stakeholders have been working hard to try and make the introduction of additional technology a success.
“However, after five seasons of VAR in the Premier League, it is time for a constructive and critical debate on its future.
“Our position is that the price we are paying for a small increase in accuracy is at odds with the spirit of our game, and as a result we should remove it from the 2024/25 season onwards.”
A Premier League spokesperson said: “The Premier League can confirm it will facilitate a discussion on VAR with our clubs at the annual general meeting next month.
“Clubs are entitled to put forward proposals at shareholders’ meetings and we acknowledge the concerns and issues around the use of VAR.
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“However, the league fully supports the use of VAR and remains committed, alongside PGMOL, to make continued improvements to the system for the benefit of the game and fans.”
Wolves acknowledged that the decision to implement VAR was made with genuine intentions and with the aim of benefitting football and the Premier League.
However, they expressed concerns about the myriad of unintended adverse effects it has brought about, which are eroding the bond between fans and the sport, and devaluing the Premier League brand. They highlighted a range of repercussions, including:
“Impact on goal celebrations and the spontaneous passion that makes football special
“Frustration and confusion inside stadiums due to lengthy VAR checks and poor communication
“A more hostile atmosphere with protests, booing of the Premier League anthem, and chants against VAR
“Overreach of VAR’s original purpose to correct clear and obvious mistakes, now overanalysing subjective decisions and compromising the game’s fluidity and integrity
“Diminished accountability of on-field officials, due to the safety net of VAR, leading to an erosion of authority on the pitch
“Continued errors despite VAR, with supporters unable to accept human error after multiple views and replays, damaging confidence in officiating standards
“Disruption of the Premier League’s fast pace with lengthy VAR checks and more added time, causing matches to run excessively long
“Constant discourse about VAR decisions often overshadowing the match itself, and tarnishing the reputation of the league
“Erosion of trust and reputation, with VAR fuelling completely nonsensical allegations of corruption
The decision to table the resolution has come after careful consideration and with the utmost respect for the Premier League, PGMOL and our fellow competitors.
There is no blame to be placed – we are all just looking for the best possible outcome for football – and all stakeholders have been working hard to try and make the introduction of additional technology a success.
However, after five seasons of VAR in the Premier League it is time for a constructive and critical debate on its future.
Our position is that the price we are paying for a small increase in accuracy is at odds with the spirit of our game, and as a result we should remove it from the 2024/25 season onwards,” Wolves stated further.
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