Premier League Clubs Vote To Keep VAR For 24/25 Season

June 6, 2024

Premier League clubs have overwhelmingly voted to keep VAR for the 2024-25 season, with only Wolves opposing the decision.

Wolves triggered the vote to remove the system, which had been introduced at the start of the 2019/2020 season after a string of controversial VAR calls last season.

Their proposal needed the support of at least 14 out of 20 clubs but was defeated 19-1. However, a statement from the Premier League has stated that there are six key areas that are being focused on as part of their aim to improve the system. Wolves have expressed disappointment with the outcome but welcomed the Premier League's commitment to improving VAR.

PGMOL To Make Changes To VAR For Better Experience For Players And Fans

The Premier League and referees’ body, PGMOL, aim to maintain a high threshold for VAR intervention to reduce game interruptions and enhance decision-making speed without compromising accuracy.

Key changes include the introduction of semi-automated offside technology aimed at reducing delays in offside decisions, which will be introduced this autumn. Referees will also begin making in-game announcements to explain VAR decisions to fans in the stadium.

Additionally, the Premier League plans to enhance the fan experience with better communication about VAR decisions and more big-screen replays. Efforts will also continue to lobby for rule changes allowing live video and audio broadcasts during VAR reviews.

Despite the vote, the Premier League remains committed to refining VAR, ensuring it serves the game and its supporters effectively while addressing the concerns raised by clubs like Wolves.

The Premier League statement can be seen below:

Premier League clubs today voted in favour of continuing to operate VAR in the Premier League. While VAR produces more accurate decision-making, it was agreed that improvements should be made for the benefit of the game and supporters.

As part of thorough discussions at the Annual General Meeting, it was agreed that PGMOL, the Premier League and clubs all have important roles to play in improving the system and its reputation. As part of ongoing work to improve VAR, six key areas were focused on as part of discussions with clubs:

Maintaining a high threshold for VAR intervention to deliver greater consistency and fewer 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.

It was confirmed in April that Semi-Automated Offside Technology will be introduced in the autumn of 2024. The technology will provide quicker and consistent placement of the virtual offside line, based on optical player tracking, and will produce high-quality broadcast graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for supporters.

The Premier League and PGMOL will continue to lobby IFAB to allow greater flexibility in the Laws of the Game to allow live video and audio broadcast during VAR reviews.