Fellow Hammers United members,
On Wednesday 15th May Wolves FC formally called for the removal of the Video Assistant Referee which has been used in England’s top-flight since 2019.
Wolves’ full statement is as follows:
Wolves
Official release
Wednesday 15th May 2024
Wolves submit resolution to Premier League to remove VAR
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.
Wolves’ proposal will trigger a vote between all 20 Premier League clubs when they meet for their annual gathering on 6 June, with a two-thirds (14-6) majority required to pass.
Responding to the news, the Premier League issued the following statement:
We can confirm it will facilitate a discussion on VAR with our clubs at the annual general meeting next month.
Clubs are entitled to put forward proposals at shareholders’ meetings and we acknowledge the concerns and issues around the use of VAR.
However, the league fully supports the use of VAR and remains committed, alongside PGMOL, to make continued improvements to the system for the benefit of the game and fans.
On June 6th West Ham United will be voting on Wolves’ proposal.
In advance of this, Hammers United is now canvassing its members on whether or not they support Wolves’ proposal and we will pass our findings on to the Club in the hope that our members’ views will be taken into account.
Please let us know your views on this issue ASAP using the link below and should you wish to add additional comments, please feel free to do so:
Contact Form
Thanks and COYI
Hammers United Committee.
