Clubs in the Premier League cast their votes on whether to eliminate Video Assistant Referees.
The growing controversy surrounding the use of video assistant referees (VAR) is gaining ground, with weeks of heated discussions in the Bundesliga and increasing criticism in the Premier League. Wolverhampton Wanderers have submitted a motion calling for the abolishment of the VAR and it will be up for a vote in the Premier League next month.
Scheduled to take place on June 6th, the general meeting of the top 20 soccer clubs will provide the opportunity for this decision to be made. The Premier League has also confirmed that they will have a discussion with clubs regarding VAR, allowing them to submit proposals and acknowledging the concerns surrounding its use.
Wolves, who believe that VAR "undermines the value of the Premier League as a brand," are pushing to have it abolished in the upcoming season. For this motion to be successful, 14 of the 20 clubs need to vote in favor of the change. They are now working to gather support from other clubs ahead of the meeting. The club's statement emphasizes that there is no blame placed on the Premier League, PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) or any other clubs, but rather a desire for "the best possible outcome for soccer."
VAR has been a part of the Premier League since 2019, but similar to its implementation in the Bundesliga, there have been ongoing criticisms. Wolves made a statement expressing that the use of video evidence, despite being implemented with "the best of intentions," has had "numerous negative consequences." They feel that the "price we are paying for a small improvement in accuracy is at odds with the spirit of our game."
In 2021, Liverpool FC experienced a significant mishap during their match against Tottenham Hotspur, when a goal scored by Luis Diaz in the 34th minute was disallowed for offside. Even after a VAR review, the decision stood, albeit incorrectly. PGMOL eventually acknowledged a "significant human error" in the incident.
Despite Wolves' call for the abolishment of the VAR, the Premier League continues to "fully support the use of VAR" and is working alongside PGMOL and other clubs to "continuously improve the system for the benefit of the game and the fans."
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Source: www.ntv.de
