Revealed: VAR vote is set to bring about two major officiating changes in the Premier League… but push to scrap it entirely is likely to fail

The Premier League will support the rapid introduction of VAR communications in the stadium, following pressure from clubs to improve refereeing standards.

Mail Sport has also learned that a number of clubs believe the top flight will increase their referee base to allow Europe’s elite officials to take charge of matches.

On Wednesday it emerged that all twenty clubs will vote on a proposal from Wolves to scrap VAR, the controversial system first introduced in 2019.

But while the move to abolish VAR is likely to end in failure when clubs vote at the end of the season’s annual general meeting, it is clear that teams want firm commitments from the Premier League with a view to improving of the system and its processes.

Given that a large number of Premier League clubs play in European competition and will be using VAR, the inconsistencies in decision-making that players will face on a weekly basis next season are one of the concerns about scrapping the system altogether.

A number of mitigating factors mean Wolves’ radical proposal is likely to fail at the AGM

For example, VAR will continue to be used in European competitions in which English clubs participate

There is also skepticism among clubs towards the lower tiers, especially teams with lower budgets, of the league, as they have already invested heavily in implementing the system.

One of the criticisms that VAR has faced is the lack of clarity about the facilities for spectators in the stadium.

While viewers on TV are part of the decision-making process, those on the ground are largely in the dark about how VAR officials arrive at decisions.

And the Premier League is ready to greenlight VAR communications in the stadium, which it is hoped will go some way to improving the experience for those watching from the stands.

During the Women’s World Cup last summer, officials were allowed to announce VAR decisions via microphone to fans in stadiums, a first at a FIFA senior international tournament.

And in the Premier League it is recognized that the same procedures should be introduced in the English top division, although it remains to be seen whether this feature can be implemented in time for next season.

Organizations’ willingness to communicate with supporters will improve VAR processes somewhat, although the time it takes to make certain decisions remains the most common complaint.

Communication in the stadium was put to good use during the Women’s World Cup last summer

It is expected that the introduction of semi-automatic offside next season will also give the system a boost

Stockley Park’s long waiting times for decisions are one of the factors criticized

The introduction of semi-automatic offside in the Premier League sometime next season is expected to reduce the amount of time it takes to decide the toughest decisions.

But one of the possible improvements that clubs are considering privately is the possibility of appointing elite foreign referees for matches.

Sources have told Mail Sport that similar proposals have historically been opposed by the Premier League and refereeing body PGMOL, but that the ability to call on the best foreign officials is something that certain clubs believe is credible.

Given the previous reluctance to do so, it remains to be seen whether clubs will discuss the option at the upcoming AGM. Mail Sport knows of at least three clubs who believe this would be a positive step forward.

The PGMOL believes that their stable of civil servants is among the best in Europe.

Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor – who featured in the recent European semi-finals – and assistant referees Gary Beswick, Stuart Burt, Dan Cook and Adam Nunn have been selected for Euro 2024.

Stuart Attwell and David Coote will also head to Germany as VARs, meaning England will have the joint highest number of referee teams at the tournament.

Nevertheless, some clubs believe that broadening the selection pool will help raise standards of competency within the selection pool.

Michael Oliver (centre) is one of the English referees who will take part in Euro 2024

Leeds manager Daniel Farke advocated the use of VAR in the Championship due to errors

The Premier League and PGMOL also believe that VAR has improved the accuracy of decisions, which is fundamentally the ultimate goal of the system.

This week, Leeds boss Daniel Farke said the EFL’s lack of reliance on VAR has cost his team automatic promotion to the Premier League and a huge financial windfall.

“I already have twelve excuses at home this season, where offside goals and penalties were not given,” he said after the match.

‘If we had used VAR this season, we wouldn’t have been in the play-offs. We would have been automatically promoted.”