What Premier League clubs think about scrapping VAR as Wolves trigger vote

The majority of Premier League clubs are not expected to back Wolves in their proposal to scrap VAR from next season, according to reports. A vote will take place next month after Wolves filed a resolution warning the video review system was ‘undermining the value of the Premier League brand’.

Wolves argued that VAR has negatively impacted goal celebrations and the spontaneous passion which has made football the most popular sport in the world. They also said that VAR’s original purpose of correcting ‘clear and obvious’ errors has been forgotten, with the technology now being used to overanalyse subjective decisions.

All 20 clubs in the Premier League will vote on whether to scrap VAR at the league’s annual general meeting next month. However, it is ‘very unlikely’ that Wolves’ motion will receive the 14 votes required to pass, according to Sky Sports.

It is said that most clubs are in agreement that changes are needed, with the current use of VAR having emerged as an unwelcome distraction over the last few seasons. That said, many clubs are thought to believe that scrapping it altogether would represent a ‘backward step’.

Nottingham Forest, like Wolves, have been on the receiving end of several dubious VAR calls in recent months. However, the Reds are said to be ‘keeping their powder dry’ ahead of the poll and it remains unclear which way they will vote.

VAR has been used in the Premier League since 2019 and is also in place in major leagues across Europe. Semi-automated offside technology is set to be introduced in England’s top tier from next season onwards, but this will need to be scrapped if clubs vote to ditch VAR.

There have been concerns about the lengthy delays often caused by VAR checks and referees conducting on-pitch reviews of incidents by looking at screens. Matches now regularly go beyond 90 minutes in length, with some even surpassing the 100-minute mark.

The Premier League are still adamant that VAR is effective in eradicating incorrect decisions, though, with further improvements expected to be made in due course.

A spokesperson for the Premier League said: “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.”