Premier League clubs are set to vote on a proposal to abolish the video assistant referee (VAR) system starting from the 2024/25 season, The Athletic reports. Wolves have formally submitted a request to remove VAR, triggering a league-wide vote at the upcoming Annual General Meeting.
In a statement, Wolves emphasized the need for a “constructive and critical debate” on VAR’s future, stating, “The price we are paying for a small increase in accuracy is at odds with the spirit of our game.”
The Premier League acknowledged the concerns and confirmed a discussion will take place. A spokesperson said, “The league fully supports VAR and remains committed to making continued improvements for the benefit of the game and fans.”
For the motion to pass, a two-thirds majority (14-6) is required. VAR, introduced in 2019, has been controversial, with recent high-profile incidents highlighting its flaws. Liverpool’s Luis Diaz had a goal wrongly disallowed for offside against Tottenham, and Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta criticized VAR after a contentious goal by Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon.
Wolves and Nottingham Forest have also voiced frustrations over VAR decisions, contributing to the growing debate on its effectiveness and impact on the game.
