The Molineux club, also known as Wolves, have proposed eliminating Video Assistant Referee (VAR) from the forthcoming Premier League season. Their proposal comes after several contentious refereeing decisions directed at them during the current season. Wolves believe that the decision review system detracts from the Premier League’s stature.
They have initiated a proposal to instigate a vote during the league’s Annual General Meeting in June, which requires the agreement of 13 out of the other 19 clubs. Wolves intend to canvass support from other clubs prior to next month’s conference.
Contrarily, the Premier League does not endorse the move to abolish VAR as beneficial.
Wolves issued a statement indicating that the implementation of VAR in 2019/20 was initially intended for the betterment of both football and the Premier League. Nevertheless, it has inadvertently resulted in negative impacts which are damaging the bond between the supporters and the sport and diluting the prestige of the Premier League brand.
Moreover, the club highlights that they are not blaming any party but seeking an optimal solution for football. Following five seasons of VAR presence in Premier League, Wolves call for a meaningful and critical discourse on its continuation.
They contend that the trivial rise in precision is incongruous with the essence of the sport, thus advocating its elimination from the 2024/25 season onwards.
Throughout the season, Wolves have found themselves on the receiving end of a series of decisions, leading to a frequent flow of apologetic calls to their manager, Gary O’Neil, from the head of Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), Howard Webb. The club notes several problematic areas such as the effects on goal celebrations, prolonged VAR checks, lack of in-stadium communication, a change in its fundamental role of rectifying blatant mistakes, and an undermining of the on-field referee’s control due to dependence on VAR.
In response, a spokesperson from the Premier League reconfirmed their intent to discuss VAR in next month’s annual meeting, adding that they understand the concerns and issues surrounding its use. The league gives clubs the right to present proposals in shareholder meetings.
Undeniably, the League is steadfast in endorsing VAR’s application and, jointly with PGMOL, it is devoted to the ongoing enhancement of the process for overall gains of the sports and its supporters. In constant communication with the PGMOL, the Premier League is of the view that should VAR be omitted, this could precipitously inflate the frequency of inaccurate verdicts, thereby potentially eroding the standing of the league even more.