As the Premier League kicks off this Friday, both Manchester United and Manchester City’s top brass have been briefed on the new VAR directives.
The Premier League is ramping up its approach to VAR this season, introducing a higher threshold for interventions. In an effort to curb negativity surrounding the system, the league has requested that managers and executives dial back their criticism.
Over the pre-season, all 20 Premier League clubs received detailed briefings from league officials. These sessions included explanations of how VAR will be applied this season, complete with video examples to highlight the subjective nature of certain calls.
Recent surveys reveal a split among players on the accuracy and review-worthiness of VAR decisions. This division underscores the challenges referees face, according to the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).
The revamped VAR protocol will emphasize ‘referee’s call,’ meaning that the system will only be used to review decisions deemed ‘clear and obvious.’ Last season’s criticism of VAR was sharp, and although Wolves proposed scrapping the system entirely, the motion was defeated by 19 votes to one at the Premier League’s AGM.
This season, changes are in the pipeline, including enhanced fan access to replays and the introduction of semi-automated offsides. The Premier League is also considering trialing referee announcements to increase transparency.
In a bid to improve VAR’s image and functionality, managers like Manchester United’s Erik ten Hag and Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola have been encouraged to moderate their criticisms. While disagreements over subjective decisions are inevitable, the league aims to shift away from claims of misunderstanding or ignorance about VAR’s operations. Presentations during summer training have provided deeper insights into the system.
While a few managers have openly criticized VAR, the majority are supportive, and the call for reduced criticism extends to chief executives and owners. The Premier League is keen to prevent VAR criticism from becoming a strategic tool for managers, a trend that damaged its reputation last season.
