Premier League managers 'block refs from explaining VAR calls in stadiums'

Premier League managers vetoed the introduction of referees explaining VAR decisions to crowds in stadiums during a meeting with PGMOL chief Howard Webb last month, according to reports.

Senior figures involved in England’s top flight floated the measure as a means of improving the experience of match-going fans, which many claim has been worsened by the introduction of VAR in 2019.

According to The Telegraph, that specific proposal has been dropped after managers aired concerns over it adding even more time to the decision-making process. The report adds that bosses’ main complaint about VAR during a meeting over the summer was the time it takes to either back up or overturn the referee’s original decision.

Referees are said to have been pre-warned about announcing decisions live to stadium audiences in 2024/25, but the new innovation did not feature when the Premier League released their list of changes on Wednesday.

The approved tweaks include more on-screen messaging and replays of relevant incidents, more correspondence between the PGMOL and Premier League managers, and live explanations of decisions on social media.

The terminology ‘referee’s call’ has also been introduced to signify that the VAR will only intervene if the on-pitch official has ‘without doubt’ made a mistake. Premier League Chief Football Officer Tony Scholes said: “One of the difficulties around VAR for the last couple of years is the lack of clarity as to when the VAR should or should not intervene.

“‘Referee’s Call’ really is just an introduction of a terminology to make it clear that the initial decision by the on-pitch official is critical.”

Howard Webb added: “‘Referee’s Call’ is important because it helps manage people’s expectations. We have situations that split opinion – and VAR can’t always provide definitive answers all the time, because the real world is not always correct or incorrect. So ‘Referee’s Call’ clarifies the process to fans, managers and players – even if they disagree with the decision.”

Other changes to Premier League officiating include the gradual introduction of semi-automated offside technology, and the allowance of 30 seconds after scoring a goal without adding time, which should reduce the overall amount of stoppage time in a match by 90 seconds on average.

Having been consulted in the improvement process, Premier League managers have been asked to refrain from strongly criticising VAR for fear of damaging the competition. Arsenal slammed refereeing standards in an unprompted statement last season, while Wolves voted to abandon VAR altogether.