Premier League clubs have overwhelmingly voted to maintain the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology at today’s Annual General Meeting, with only one club dissenting – Wolves.
Despite their motion to abolish VAR, the majority of clubs, including newly promoted Ipswich Town, decided to keep the controversial technology in place. Ipswich Town, alongside Leicester City and Southampton, also received their share as confirmed Premier League clubs.
This decision means that a VAR monitor will now be installed at Portman Road, as the Premier League confirmed that they will focus on six key areas to improve the technology. These areas include maintaining a high threshold for VAR intervention, reducing delays in the game, improving fan experience, enhancing VAR training, increasing transparency, and introducing Semi-Automated Offside Technology in 2024.
The introduction of Semi-Automated Offside Technology is set to provide quicker and more consistent placement of the virtual offside line, based on optical player tracking. This will enhance the in-stadium and broadcast experience for supporters. The Premier League and PGMOL will also continue to advocate for greater flexibility in the Laws of the Game to allow live video and audio broadcast during VAR reviews.
Overall, the decision to keep VAR in place comes with a commitment to improve the technology and enhance the fan experience in the Premier League.
