Huge change to VAR that fans are desperate to see taken into account by Premier League bosses, as part of the biggest overhaul since the system was introduced.
- PGMOL plans biggest overhaul of VAR since its introduction
- Fans wanted to hear decisions made by referees and other officials
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Senior Premier League officials are considering the biggest overhaul of VAR since its introduction, bringing a huge change desired by football fans.
VAR has been a part of top-flight football since the 2019-20 season, but the response has been mixed from players and team staff, while supporters on the pitch and at home feel left out of the picture overall.
The Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL) believes that a simple change in protocol could create a better experience for subsequent matches.
Supporters cannot hear conversations between match officials as they deliberate on decisions using VAR – but PGMOL is now considering allowing those in the stadium to hear these discussions for greater transparency.
Journalist Rob Dorsett told Sky Sports: “It’s complicated because the IFAB has never allowed live audio to be broadcast between match officials to the crowd. But PGMOL would like to see it happen.
PGMOL plans biggest overhaul of how VAR works since its introduction
Referee chief Howard Webb admitted on-field information needed to be improved
“Howard Webb says he thinks there is leeway in the existing rules for referees, when called on screen to review a call, to then explain to the crowd if they are changing that decision, why they change it.
“By next season we could see, for the first time, match officials and referees speaking directly to people inside the stadium to explain their decisions.”
Webb has mentioned a potential ruling over controversial appeals linked to a trio of Nottingham Forest penalty shots at Everton on April 21 – with the PGMOL chief admitting the referee and VAR team should have looked into one of their complaints .
Asked about the information available on the ground, Webb said: “It needs to be improved, right?
“When you hear the clips from shows like this, what’s happening makes sense; everything becomes obvious. We are looking for ways to improve the in-stadium experience.
He added: “It would be really helpful if the referee could speak to everyone in the stadium – (to explain) the justification.”
This would follow a similar format to the decision-making process featured at the 2023 Women’s World Cup – although the explanation will come first, to try to prevent fans from booing over the details once the decision is confirmed.
ESPN reports that explanations will not be announced until a field-side monitor is consulted.
This would follow a similar process to that presented during the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
VAR checks that do not result in the decision being overturned on the pitch will remain out of reach of fans.
The change must be approved by the Premier League, but this is likely to be just a formality.
