Wolves issue statement after being the only Premier League club to vote against VAR
'We still believe that Premier League football would be superior without VAR.'
Wolves say they are ‘disappointed’ after they were the only Premier League club to vote in favour of scrapping VAR.
Last month, Wolves had put forward a proposal to remove VAR from the start of next season and the decision was put forward to all 20 Premier League clubs at the Annual General Meeting on Thursday.
However, Wolves’ motion was emphatically rejected as 19 Premier League sides voted to keep VAR in place.
The Premier League has revealed a six-point plan to improve VAR, while it is hoped that the arrival of semi-automated offside technology after the autumn international break will help reduce delays.
But despite the outcome of the vote with their fellow Premier League clubs, Wolves maintain that football ‘would be superior without VAR’
A statement from Wolves on Thursday read: ‘While we are disappointed with the outcome of the vote on the future of VAR at today’s Annual General Meeting, we acknowledge and accept the decision made by our fellow Premier League clubs and we are reassured that the Premier League is taking the concerns of clubs and supporters seriously.
PREMIER LEAGUE PLAN SIX IMPROVEMENTS FOR VAR
1) Maintaining a high threshold for VAR intervention to deliver greater consistency and less interruptions to the flow of the game.
2) Reducing delays to the game, primarily through the introduction of semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) and the maintained high threshold for VAR intervention.
3) Improving fan experience through a reduction in the delays, in-stadium announcements from referees after a post-VAR change of decision and where possible, an enhanced offering of big screen replays to include all VAR interventions.
4) Working with PGMOL on the implementation of more robust VAR training to improve consistency, including an emphasis on speed of process while preserving accuracy.
5) Increasing transparency and communication around VAR – including expanded communications from Premier League Match Centre and through broadcast programming such as “Match Officials Mic’d Up”.
6) The delivery of a fan and stakeholder VAR communication campaign, which will seek to further clarify VAR’s role in the game to participants and supporters.
‘We welcome the commitment to improve VAR, particularly in areas that address delays, consistency, and fan experience. While we still believe that Premier League football would be superior without VAR, we think that these improvements are crucial for the integrity of the game and for enhancing the overall matchday experience for our supporters.
‘Wolves remain committed to working closely with the Premier League and PGMOL to ensure that VAR continues to evolve and better serve the interests of football.
‘We appreciate the efforts being made to address the issues that have been highlighted and look forward to seeing these positive changes implemented.’
In response to the introduction of semi-automated offsides next season, the Premier League said: ‘The technology will provide quicker and consistent placement of the virtual offside line, based on optical player tracking, and will produce high-quality broadcast graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for supporters.
‘The Premier League and PGMOL will continue to lobby IFAB to allow greater flexibility in the Laws of the Game to allow live video and audio broadcast during VAR reviews.’
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