How every club voted as Premier League make decision to keep VAR next season

Premier League clubs have voted 19-1 in favour of keeping VAR for next season. The proposal to scrap it, put forward as a motion by Wolves last month, needed the backing of 13 more clubs to be pushed through.

But ultimately, at a meeeting of all top-flight sides it was only Wolves themselves who voted against removing the use of the video technology.

However, the 19 who voted differently, that included newly the promoted Leicester City, Ipswich Town, and Southampton, all did so on the understanding that six key provisions would be put in place by league bosses.

Clubs have insisted that a high threshold is maintainted for VAR intervention to take place. In the 2023/24 season, a new ‘clear and obvious’ approach was adopted, following criticism that too many decisions were being scrutinised.

Officials have also been asked to reduce delays during the games by coming to quicker conclusions over decisions. And clubs also want the fan experience improved to provide clarity, with in-stadium announcement from referees and big-screen replays.

That would bring football in line with professional rugby union and cricket. In both sports, spectators are able to watch and listen to how a decision is made at venues with big screens.

The final three demands also centre around increased communication between Premier League clubs and the PGMOL. They’ve asked for more VAR training from the authority to those placed in charge of the technology at Stockley Park.

Clubs have also requested ‘increased transparency’ over how decisions have been reached. And finally, the Premier League will run a fan communication campaign to clear up ambiguity for supporters.

Despite their proposal being rejected, according to the Telegraph, Wolves bosses are content with the outcome at the AGM. Club chiefs are said to be pleased an open discussion as held and the propsoed changes.

PGMOL head Howard Webb was frequently forced to admit that VAR mistakes were made in the 2023/24 campaign, but also defended referees. Speaking last month, he said: “The game is played by human beings, it’s officiated by human beings.

“And obviously our job is to try to ensure that we have a positive impact on the game by identifying correct decisions on the field. This wasn’t one. But of course they’re humans making judgements as well, so we always are trying to reduce the number of errors that we that we make.”