Premier League clubs to vote on scrapping VAR ahead of next season

Premier League clubs are expected to vote this summer on whether to scrap VAR.

The technology was introduced to England’s top flight at the start of the 2019/20 campaign to help referees with key decisions.

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However, VAR has proven to be a constant source of controversy since arriving in the Premier League, amid a number of controversial and inconsistent decisions.

As a result, all 20 clubs are expected to vote on its possible removal at the Premier League’s next annual gathering on June 6, with Wolves submitting a proposed change.

Wolves want it to be scrapped this summer ahead of the 2024/25 season, with 14 clubs having to vote in favor for it to be adopted.

A Wolves statement said the decision was taken “after careful consideration and with the utmost respect for the Premier League, PGMOL and our competitors.

“There is no blame – we are all just looking for the best possible outcome for football – and all stakeholders have worked hard to try and make the introduction of additional technology a success.

“However, after five seasons of VAR in the Premier League, the time has come for a constructive and critical debate on its future.

“Our position is that the price we pay for a slight increase in accuracy is contradictory to the spirit of our game and, therefore, we should remove it from the 2024/25 season onwards.”

A Premier League spokesperson said: “The Premier League can confirm that it will facilitate a discussion on VAR with our clubs at next month’s annual general meeting.

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“Clubs have the right to present proposals at shareholder meetings and we recognize the concerns and issues surrounding the use of VAR.

“However, the league fully supports the use of VAR and remains committed, alongside PGMOL, to making continued improvements to the system for the benefit of the game and the fans.”

PGMOL chief Howard Webb recently proposed a change to VAR by allowing referees to use public address systems in stadiums to explain decisions.

In April, Nottingham Forest released a stunning statement after their 2-0 defeat to Everton to hit out at officials, in which they said they had “warned the PGMOL that VAR is a Luton fan”.

This came after three controversial penalty decisions which were not awarded in their favor, with Forest and Luton two clubs battling to avoid relegation.