Welcome potential changes to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the premier league maybe on the way. A large number of fans, coaches and players have criticized both the use of VAR and the officials involved in the technology in recent months.
VAR has rarely been popular in England’s top division since its introduction in 2019. Nonetheless, a series of recent controversies have led many to call for sweeping changes to the rules.
Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta has been criticized for criticizing VAR and the general state of refereeing in England after his team’s recent match. 1-0 defeat has Newcastle. On another side, Tottenham Hotspur Head coach Ange Postecoglou praised not attacking officials during his post-match interview after a loss earlier this week.
However, many pointed out that Postecoglou was actually booked during the match for complaining to the referee. The decisions against Spurs that day weren’t hugely controversial either.
West Ham manager says coaches are staying silent to avoid fines and bans
Many Premier League managers appear afraid of making comments similar to Arteta’s due to the risk of fines or suspension. Western Ham Manager David Moyes addressed the matter in a press conference on Friday. “We do not want to complain publicly, because managers will be punished if they express themselves inappropriately.” declared Moyes.
“Most managers don’t want to say anything because we know we are confined. If clubs or managers choose to have fun, that is their choice and they can choose to do so.
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The veteran coach also said that complaining gets you nowhere with league leaders. “We feel we don’t get much in return when we give it back to the officials or anyone,” Moyes continued.
“There have been a few major incidents that have been highlighted, but it’s mainly at the top clubs. It’s like people don’t think other clubs have the same problems. The same VAR problems, the same decision-making. There is not the same strong point. We’re all pretty disappointed with what we get back.
Premier League bosses expected to approve new offside system for 2024/25 season
Nonetheless, it seems changes are about to come to the Premier League. According to a report from The telegraph, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has already started discussing ways to improve VAR. The IFAB is a group that helps determine the official laws of football. The organization will apparently discuss further possible adjustments to VAR at its annual meeting in March.
While no potential changes are coming during the current campaign, a major change is likely for the Premier League next summer. The aforementioned report claims that semi-automated offside technology could be in place ahead of the 2024/25 season. The technology is currently active in the Champions League And Europa League. Italy series A also uses the popular tool.
Semi-automated offside technology allows difficult offside decisions to be made in a fraction of the time. This also helps limit obstacles related to “human errors” in replay reviews. Many see human error as the reason for a plethora of incorrect calls in Premier League matches this season.
The implementation of semi-automated offside technology has been previously rejected by Premier League managers this summer. However, there is now a growing feeling that the coaches will help bring the tool to England’s top flight next summer.
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