France is not a special case. Over the past few weeks, even months, video refereeing has been regularly singled out by players, coaches, but also clubs. If its introduction into modern football seven years ago has made the work of referees somewhat easier by correcting numerous errors, its use, sometimes considered excessive or conversely unnecessary, generates multiple controversies. Overheating in France, VAR is making headlines in England to the extent that the 2023-2024 season has been significantly marked by a plethora of incidents which have had the gift of intensifying criticism of it.
As an example, it is enough to mention September 30, 2023, the date on which Liverpool lost to Tottenham (2-1). Frustrated by the result, Reds coach Jürgen Klopp had launched a huge rant against the officials responsible for the video assistance who had notably failed to review a goal disallowed to Luis Diaz for a non-existent offside before the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) does not admit any error. Same story a few weeks later when Arsenal conceded their first defeat of the season in the Premier League by losing to Newcastle on a controversial goal from Anthony Gordon despite an in-depth VAR study. A fact of play which had greatly annoyed Mikel Arteta on the antennas of Sky Sports : “It’s shameful, it’s a shame. I have to come here to say that this is not acceptable, the stakes are too high.”
Towards the abolition of VAR in the Premier League?
With hostility towards referees and video assistance growing considerably, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) attempted to calm things down by beginning a series of consultations on the changes needed for a first serious review of the VAR, including the introduction of a semi-automatic offside detection system or the possibility of authorizing referees to explain VAR decisions to supporters next season. Despite all the goodwill of football legislators, refereeing in England could experience a new turning point. According to The AthleticPremier League clubs will have to decide whether or not to maintain VAR next season at a general meeting in Harrogate on June 6.
“There is no blame – we are all looking to achieve the best possible outcome for football – and all stakeholders have worked hard to make the introduction of new technology a success. However, after five seasons with VAR in the Premier League, it is time for a constructive and critical debate about its future. Our position is that the price we pay for a slight increase in accuracy is in contradiction with the spirit of our sport and, therefore, we consider that VAR should be removed from the 2024-2025 season., we can read in a press release from the Wolverhampton club, at the origin of this proposal. For this proposal to be ratified, 14 votes “for” will be required from the 20 clubs concerned. Thunderbolt in England!
