The Premier League is taking proactive steps to address challenges linked to Video Assistant Referee errors, which have been recorded at 13 in the first 23 match rounds of this season, an improvement from the 20 errors at the same stage last season.
According to BBC reports on Tuesday, the errors consist of four incorrect VAR decisions and nine missed interventions, as noted by the Key Match Incidents panel.
In response, the Premier League has introduced a six-point strategy aimed at enhancing the precision, speed, and transparency of VAR decisions.
A key aspect of this plan is the possible adoption of semi-automated offside technology before the end of the current season.
SkySports News reports that Tony Scholes, the Chief Football Officer, expressed optimism about the progress made, stating, “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.”
The proposed SAOT system aims to streamline offside decisions without sacrificing accuracy, thereby reducing the delays that have become a concern during matches.
Moreover, the Premier League seeks to improve fan engagement by allowing referees to announce VAR decisions inside stadiumd, a practice that could be implemented by the start of next season.
Scholes emphasized this as an important development, remarking, “Frankly, it’s not good enough [VAR communication with supporters in stadiums]. None of us here at the league believe it’s good enough, and we have a long way to go to improve it. We are constrained by IFAB. But we should improve it to the extent that we are able and authorised to do so. Our intention is for the referee to announce VAR decisions in the middle of the pitch from the start of next season. With regard to further VAR comms, we will continue to lobby IFAB to allow us to open up as much as we can.”
Despite these advancements, the league remains cautious in its approach. There were initial hopes that the SAOT, which is used in FIFA and UEFA competitions, would be introduced during the October or November international windows.
The Premier League had intended to introduce the semi-automated technology this season in hopes of reducing the time taken for VAR decisions.
League officials hoped it would cut offside decision times by 31 seconds.
Scholes acknowledged that if confidence in the technology isn’t fully established by the final match rounds, it may be more prudent to delay the introduction of SAOT until the next season.
He noted that VAR intervention times have already significantly decreased this season compared to previous ones, with the average VAR check now taking 40 seconds, compared to one minute and six seconds last season.
Despite his cautious stance, Scholes recognized significant progress over the past few weeks, emphasizing that the technology is about improving efficiency rather than accuracy, “This technology doesn’t improve the accuracy, it makes the process more efficient. Why wouldn’t you introduce it if you are absolutely confident it is ready?”
Meanwhile, while the Premier League did not disclose the nine missed interventions, it did provide details of the four VAR errors:
1. Outtara ‘handball’ – Bournemouth 1-1 Newcastle, 25 August
Incident: Dango Ouattara’s header was ruled a goal by the on-field referee. However, VAR reversed the decision, claiming it was a handball, despite unclear evidence.
Outcome: PGMOL’s Howard Webb admitted the VAR intervention was incorrect.
2. De Ligt foul on Ings – West Ham 2-1 Manchester United, 27 October
Incident: Danny Ings was awarded a penalty after a challenge by Mathijs de Ligt, following VAR advice to review the incident.
Outcome: Webb later clarified that West Ham should not have been awarded the penalty.
3. Noorgard red card – Brentford 0-0 Everton, 23 November
Incident: Christian Noorgard’s challenge on Everton’s goalkeeper resulted in a red card after VAR reviewed the incident.
Outcome: An independent panel overturned the suspension on appeal.
4. Milenkovic goal disallowed – Nottingham Forest 3-2 Southampton, 19 January
Incident: A goal by Nikola Milenkovic was ruled out by VAR, claiming Chris Wood’s offside position impacted the play.
Outcome: An independent panel determined the goal should have stood.
The Premier League’s new objectives for improving VAR include:
Enhancing clarity regarding the high threshold for VAR intervention, making the ‘referee’s call’ a regular part of football discussions.
Reducing delays by introducing SAOT as soon as possible.
Improving the fan experience with clearer referee announcements and on-screen messaging.
Boosting VAR training to improve decision-making.
Increasing transparency with more frequent messaging for broadcasters and fans during live matches.
Advancing education and communication around VAR for everyone involved in the game.
Through these measures, the Premier League is showing a commitment to refining its VAR system while maintaining the integrity of the sport and improving the experience for players, officials, and fans.
