Wolverhampton Wanderers filed a resolution on Wednesday citing the “negative consequences that damage the relationship between fans and football” in support of the idea that Premier League clubs should hold a vote on whether to eliminate video assistant referees (VAR) starting in the following season.
In order to help on-field officials with crucial match decisions, VAR was implemented in 2019. However, the technology has been the subject of controversy due to a number of complaints, including lengthy analysis and delays that can last several minutes.
The Wolverhampton statement stated, “After five seasons of VAR in the Premier League, it is time for a constructive and critical debate about its future.”
“Our position is that the cost we are incurring for a marginal improvement in accuracy is incompatible with the essence of our game and ought to be eliminated starting in the 2024–2025 season.”
A Premier League spokesman acknowledged that they will help teams have a conversation on video assistant refereeing during their annual general meeting next month.
He did, however, add that although clubs are free to submit suggestions, the league fully supports the use of VAR and is dedicated to working with the PGMOL, the body that represents referees, to further enhance the system for the good of the game and its supporters.
“The hole left by the removal of VAR could lead to more criticism of on-field judgments made by match officials and a rise in fan angst. The Premier League’s reputation will also be significantly impacted by this, he claimed.
Sweden’s main leagues announced last month that they would not think about implementing the VAR system after teams expressed their disapproval of the technology.