Letter to Premier League goes public - VAR now at risk of being scrapped ahead of 24/25

by Olly Hawkins · 15 May 2024, 18:37

It's emerged tonight that Premier League clubs will hold a vote at their annual general meeting next month on a proposal to abolish VAR from the start of next season.

Wolves have submitted a formal proposal to scrap the video assistant refereeing system for the 2024/25 season and their proposal will now be on agenda in the upcoming Premier League AGM on June 6th. However, at least 14 out of 20 clubs must vote in favour of ditching VAR for the system to be abolished.

See the official letter sent to the Premier League below, which puts forward Wolves' proposal and a host of reasons why they believe the current system should be discarded after five seasons:

"Wolves have formally submitted a resolution to the Premier League to trigger a vote at the league's AGM in June, on the removal of VAR from the start of the 2024/25 season.

The introduction of VAR in 2019/20 was a decision made in good faith and with the best interests of football and the Premier League at its heart. However, it has led to numerous unintended negative consequences that are damaging the relationship between fans and football, and undermining the value of the Premier League brand, which include:

Impact on goal celebrations and the spontaneous passion that makes football special.
Frustration and confusion inside stadiums due to lengthy VAR checks and poor communication.
A more hostile atmosphere with protests, booing of the Premier League anthem and chants against VAR.
Overreach of VAR's original purpose to correct clear and obvious mistakes, now overanalysing subjective decisions and compromising the game's fluidity and integrity.
Diminished accountability of on-field officials, due to safety net of VAR, leading to an erosion of authority on the pitch.
Continued errors despite VAR, with supporters unable to accept human error after multiple views and replays, damaging confidence in officiating standards.
Disruption of the Premier League's fast pace with lengthy VAR checks and more added time, causing matches to run excessively long.
Constant discourse about VAR decisions often overshadowing the match itself, and tarnishing the reputation of the league.
Erosion of trust and reputation, with VAR fuelling completely nonsensical allegations of corruption.

The decision to table the resolution has come after careful consideration and with the utmost respect for the Premier League, PGMOL and our fellow competitors.

There is no blame to be placed - we are all just looking for the best possible outcome for football - and all stakeholders have been working hard to try and make the introduction of additional technology a success. However, after five seasons of VAR in the Premier League it is time for a constructive and critical debate on its future.

Our position is that the price we are paying for a small increase in accuracy is at odds with the spirit of our game, and as a result we should remove it from the 2024/25 season onwards."