Premier League hopes ‘referee’s call could help in fixing VAR

The Premier League has launched a six-point strategy that it hopes to improve VAR. This includes the use of “referee’s call” to try to provide a better understanding of the decision-making process.

By Dale Johnson

Aug 14, 2024 01:59 PM

The Premier League has launched a six-point plan which it hopes will improve VAR, including using “referee’s call” to try to give better understanding of decisions to fans and players.

Although the VAR will be attempting to determine the “clear and obvious error,” the Premier League wants to put the spotlight on the judge by establishing the high standard, instead of relying on the judgement by the assistant video.

The high level of intervention implies it is likely that “referee’s call” will stand until evidence that is readily available can prove that there was an obvious error.

The six-point strategy aims to accomplish:

Improve the clarity of the the threshold for intervention by VAR: “referee’s call”
– Decrease delays in the game by introducing semi-automated offside
– Enhance the experience for fans by having pilot referees announce decisions, increased messaging and request the IFAB for the use of live VAR audio and video
– Enhance VAR training and coherence: focus on speed of operation while maintaining the accuracy
Improve transparency by adopting a more proactive approach, that is aligned to “referee’s call”
– Communication and education plan: key messages across media and clubs

More than 100 mistakes were rectified last season however, VAR is not perfect, and the Premier League concedes that a significant amount of work must be done in order to change the perception of VAR, and it’s not going to be completely perfect.

A brand new account on X, previously Twitter will be providing live updates, with in-depth explanations of VAR’s decisions and will be displayed in stadiums.

Eyebrows were piqued this week, when Tony Scholes, the Premier League’s chief football officer said to on the BBC it was four of five fans would like to see VAR remain.

The survey revealed that 77 percent of Premier League followers and attendees would like to keep VAR, however only 10% thought that it would be acceptable under its current version.

But, the Premier League is to concentrate on the 20% that would like to eliminate VAR as a measure of shifting their opinion.

The Football Supporters’ Association hit out over the findings of the survey, stating it was “all of our research into VAR since the introduction of it into English football revealed that it is disliked by match-day supporters. Concerns of fans regarding VAR and its effect on the experience of a match need to be taken seriouslysuch statements which create the impression that those who play in the Premier League appear to be not paying attention, aren’t helping.”

The FSA’s own poll found that only 26.8 percent of people declared themselves completely or a little in favor of VAR. 63.3 percent opposed to it.

Wolverhampton Wanderers attempted to have VAR eliminated from the Premier League last season, but were defeated 19-1.