The Premier League has issued a statement addressing reports the VAR could be scrapped next season, MySportDab reports.
The VAR has been at the center of match controversies this season, pitting club officials against football officials.
Cases of wrongly disallowed goals, poorly awarded penalties, mistaken offside calls, and unmerited fouls have marred proceedings this season.
Amidst the attendant defects of the system, Wolves have filed an official complaint, calling for the device to be scrapped.
In a club statement shared by the Athletic, Wolves claim, the VAR, which was deployed in utmost faith to minimize refereeing and officiating errors, has defeated its very essence by being a source of the errors and controversies.
The Premier League Club called for the technology to be scrapped as it has outlived its usefulness by stoking conflicts and controversies instead of resolving them.
Wolves club statement reads;
“There is no blame to be placed — we are all just looking for the best possible outcome for football — and all stakeholders have been working hard to try and make the introduction of additional technology a success.
“However, after five seasons of VAR in the Premier League, it is time for a constructive and critical debate on its future.
“Our position is that the price we are paying for a small increase in accuracy is at odds with the spirit of our game, and as a result we should remove it from the 2024/25 season onwards.”
Since Wolves made the call for the VAR to be scrapped, there have been reports the VAR may not be used next season as Premier League clubs have appended to Wolves’ position to have the device scrapped.
The report adds a general meeting of all Premier League clubs, scheduled for June 6, 2024, will be turned into a voting ground with all 20 Premier League clubs set to decide whether to use VAR or not next season.
Now, reacting to reports of a possible retrieval of the VAR next season, the Premier League spokesperson confirmed there will be a discussion on VAR. However, he added there are no plans to scrap the technology as reported.
The spokesperson also admitted plans to work with the PGMOL to improve the functioning of the VAR and reduce cases of errors.
“The Premier League can confirm it will facilitate a discussion on VAR with our clubs at the annual general meeting next month.
“Clubs are entitled to put forward proposals at shareholders’ meetings and we acknowledge the concerns and issues around the use of VAR.
“However, the league fully supports the use of VAR and remains committed, alongside PGMOL, to make continued improvements to the system for the benefit of the game and fans.”
