Premier League clubs to be asked to vote on whether to abolish video assistant referees [VAR] After Wolves made an offer for next season.
The proposal will be heard at the shareholders’ meeting on June 6.
sky sports news It is understood that the Premier League board is directly opposed to the proposal.
The Premier League acknowledges that Wolves have the right to make such a recommendation, but believes that abolishing VAR will lead to more wrong decisions.
Premier League chief football officer Tony Scholes said Premier League statistics earlier this season showed an increase in correct decisions under VAR from 82% to 96% sky sports February: “VAR was, and still is, a very effective tool in supporting match officials on the pitch.”
However, Scholes admitted: “We did too many checks and it took too long. That’s understandable to some extent given the level of scrutiny these people are under. But it took too long. , and it’s impacting the flow of the game, we’re very aware of that and the need to increase speed while always maintaining accuracy.
Meanwhile, Premier League officials believe the proposal would severely impact its reputation as one of world football’s elite leagues and mean there would be no semi-automatic offsides or in-stadium announcements to spectators as the top flight has been pushing for.
A Premier League spokesman said: “The Premier League can confirm that it will discuss VAR issues with our clubs at next month’s AGM.
“Clubs have the right to put forward proposals at shareholder meetings and we acknowledge the concerns and issues surrounding the use of VAR.
“However, the League fully supports the use of VAR and remains committed to working with the PGMOL to continuously improve the system for the benefit of the game and fans.”
Wolves have ended the season over several controversial refereeing decisions and believe the decision review system is “undermining the value of the Premier League brand”.
However, they will need 13 of the other 19 clubs to agree with them and may lobby others to gain support between now and next month’s meeting.
Wolves said in a statement: “The introduction of VAR for the 2019/20 season is a well-intentioned decision that has the best interests of football and the Premier League at its core.
“However, this has led to a number of unintended negative consequences, damaging the relationship between fans and football and damaging the value of the Premier League brand.
“The decision to table this resolution was taken after careful consideration and with the utmost respect for the Premier League, PGMOL and our competitors.
“There’s nothing to blame – we’re all just looking for the best outcome for football – and all stakeholders are working hard to try and make the introduction of additional technology successful.
“However, after five seasons of VAR being used in the Premier League, it is time for a constructive and critical debate about its future.
“Our position is that the price we pay for a small improvement in accuracy is contrary to the spirit of our game and therefore we should remove it from the 2024/25 season.”
Wolves have struggled throughout the season over a series of decisions made, with manager Gary O’Neill receiving frequent apologetic phone calls from Professional Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) chief executive Howard Webb.
Areas they consider to be of particular concern are the impact on goal celebrations, the length of VAR checks and a lack of communication within the stadium, a change of intention from correcting obvious errors and the erosion of the authority of on-field referees due to dependence.
How to book Fury vs Usyk fight at Sky Sports Ticket Office
It’s one of the biggest sporting events in a generation. Tyson Fury and Alexander Usyk The undisputed heavyweight championship of the world is up for grabs live on Sky Sports Box Office on Saturday 18 May. Book a fight now