The VAR has been a source of concern for fans and footballers for years – and has led to some heated debates. In England, there could now even be a revolution as Premier League clubs vote on the abolition of VAR
As the New York Times reports, Premier League clubs are set to vote on whether to abolish VAR altogether at their upcoming annual meeting on June 6. VAR has been in place in England since 2019 – and, as in the Bundesliga, there have been numerous correct decisions as well as controversies. In the current season, there was a VAR check of horror at the expense of Liverpool FC, Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta had an outburst of anger after VAR trouble and Nottingham accused a video assistant referee of bias.
Last season, the question was even raised as to whether the integrity of the competition as a whole was still guaranteed. Now Wolverhampton Wanderers are going one step further and officially proposing that they should say goodbye to VAR this summer. The proposal will result in a vote among the 20 Premier League clubs on June 6.
VAR was introduced “with the best of intentions and in the interests of soccer”, but has led to “numerous unintended negative consequences that damage the relationship between fans and soccer and undermine the value of the Premier League brand”. After five years of VAR in the Premier League, it is time for a constructive and critical debate,” say Wolves, taking a clear stance. The price that has to be paid for a little more accuracy is too high, because VAR is detrimental to the spirit of soccer. “We should therefore abolish it from 2024/25. “
Wolves name a number of negative points
Wolverhampton also cited examples that would have a negative impact on the game. For example, the VAR has an influence on cheering and spontaneous emotions, which make soccer special. Long review phases lead to longer playing times, frustration in the stadiums and a deterioration of the atmosphere, also due to recurring wrong decisions despite VAR.
The Wolves also criticize the fact that VAR not only corrects clear wrong decisions, but also increasingly examines subjective assessments on a small scale, thus compromising both the flow and integrity of the game. The authority of referees is also considered to be at risk, as they would increasingly rely on the “safety net of the VAR”. Furthermore, there are warnings of an erosion of trust and reputation due to nonsensical accusations of corruption
Facts speak for the VAR
According to the report, however, the figures in England speak for themselves: the number of correct decisions has risen from 82% to 96% since the introduction of the VAR. And yet the Premier League could still turn its back on the system. The clubs have the right to propose rule changes – but for these to be implemented, a two-thirds majority is required; 14 of the 20 Premier League clubs would therefore have to support Wolves’ request.
A league spokesperson confirmed that a debate on VAR would be facilitated at the AGM, but stressed that the league is fully behind the use of VAR and, together with the referees’ organization PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited), is committed to “continually improving the system for the benefit of the game and the fans. We are aware of the problems and concerns surrounding VAR.” So it remains to be seen how the whole thing will develop.
