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The usage and utilization of VAR continue to polarize people. The refereeing system has been heavily scrutinized recently following multiple mishaps in the Premier League.
Referee referring to the VAR for a call (X)
In the wake of all the controversial refereeing calls that have been made this season, the Premier League has announced major changes coming to the VAR system in the upcoming season.
First things first, referees are set to make in-stadium announcements about the outcome of video reviews in the Premier League from the start of next season.
The protocol is currently being trialed in this season’s English League Cup semifinals, with a first announcement coming in the first leg of Tottenham’s match with Liverpool when a goal for Spurs was ruled out for offside.
Tony Scholes, the Premier League’s chief football officer, told reporters the protocol could now be used in league play, too.
The usage and utilization of VAR continue to polarize people. The refereeing system has been heavily scrutinized recently following multiple mishaps in the Premier League.
With the frequency of controversial calls rising, the Premier League has planned to take inspiration from cricket’s DRS system to implement changes in the PL’s very own VAR.
According to reports from Daily Mail, from next season, Premier League referees may be able to explain VAR decisions to fans next season in a potential major change in protocol.
This will be an attempt to mirror DRS in cricket, where the third umpire communicates every observation he makes to the on-field umpire and the public every step of the way, allowing for better transparency.
Scholes though has admitted he was worried about the reliability of the technology for semi-automated offsides for a long time – up until a breakthrough just before Christmas.
“I have to confess, given the difficulties that we had over the first few months of the season [with SAOT testing] I had severe doubts about this. But the progress made over the last four to six weeks has been significant. So, we believe we’re going to be adopting the best system and the most accurate system – without the need for the chip in the ball.
“The EFL has introduced it into the Carabao Cup this year. We will monitor it. But the operation of semi-automated offside technology does not change the integrity of the offside law. What it does is make the process more efficient. Clearly, if we’re not confident until the last two or three match rounds, I think you then arrive at a pragmatic place where you just say, it wouldn’t make sense to introduce it now. But if we’re able to introduce it in advance of that, then it’s something that we’re actively considering.”
