Premier League clubs will vote at next month’s annual general meeting on a proposal by Wolves to scrap video assistant referees from the start of next season.
VAR has been a subject of controversy since its introduction in 2019-20 and Wolves have submitted a resolution to the league calling for it to be abolished, triggering a vote for all 20 clubs at June’s AGM in Harrogate. A resolution requires 14 clubs to vote in favour to be passed.
Wolves have been left aggrieved by a number of VAR decisions this season, with their chairman, Jeff Shi, voicing his frustration last month. Arsenal and Nottingham Forest are among the other clubs to question publicly the use of the system.
In a statement Wolves said: “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 listed a series of reasons for their resolution and said at the moment VAR is inadvertently “undermining the value of the Premier League brand”. They said “erosion of trust and reputation” has fuelled “completely nonsensical allegations of corruption”.
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.
“However, the league fully supports the use of VAR and remains committed, alongside PGMOL [Professional Game Match Officials Limited], to make continued improvements to the system for the benefit of the game and fans.”
League officials have met with Wolves representatives to address their concerns. Any club can put forward a proposal but it is understood the Premier League board is adamant removing VAR would not be a positive step, partly because it would likely place even greater scrutiny on decisions made by match officials.
There is a belief within PGMOL and the league that VAR is an important tool for referees. It has helped increase the number of correct decisions made in games from 82%, before its introduction, to 96% this season. There is a line of thinking that the introduction of semi-automated offside technology and in-stadium VAR announcements will improve the decision-making further and increase transparency and reduce delays.
