The Premier League is actively addressing the challenges posed by Video Assistant Referee errors, having recorded 13 mistakes in the first 23 match rounds of the current season—a notable decrease from 20 errors at the same point last term.
These errors comprise four incorrect VAR interventions and nine missed interventions, as identified by the Key Match Incidents panel, BBC reports late Tuesday.
In response, the league has unveiled a six-point plan aimed at enhancing the accuracy, speed, and transparency of VAR decisions.
A central component of this initiative is the potential introduction of semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) before the season concludes.
According to SkySports News, the Chief Football Officer Tony Scholes expressed optimism, 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.”
SAOT
The proposed SAOT system is designed to expedite offside decisions without compromising accuracy, thereby reducing delays during matches.
Additionally, the Premier League aims to enhance fan engagement by having referees announce VAR decisions within stadiums, a practice that could be implemented by the start of the next season.
Scholes emphasised the importance of this move, noting, “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.
Semi-automated offside technology
It had been hoped semi-automated offside technology, which is used in Fifa and Uefa competitions, would be introduced in either the October or November international windows.
The Premier League, last year, 2024, had hoped to introduce semi-automated offside technology this season in the hope of reducing the time it takes to make VAR decisions.
League officials hope it would reduce the time taken to check offsides by 31 seconds.
Scholes acknowledged that if confidence in the technology isn’t achieved until the final match rounds, it might be pragmatic to delay SAOT’s introduction until the next season.
He went on to say that the duration of VAR interventions has reduced significantly this season compared with previously. The average VAR check now takes 40 seconds, whereas last season it was one minute and six seconds.
Scholes, despite his own misgivings, says there has been significant progress over the past “four to six weeks”, and the intention is still to bring it in this season.
“This technology doesn’t improve the accuracy, it makes the process more efficient,” he said.
“Why wouldn’t you introduce it if you are absolutely confident it is ready?”
Meanwhile, the Premier League declined to list the nine missed interventions, but did outline the four errors to media.
What were the four VAR errors?
Outtara ‘handball’ – Bournemouth 1-1 Newcastle, 25 August
What: Dango Outtara thought he had scored a late winner for Bournemouth when he jumped to head the ball. The goal was given by on-field referee David Coote.
Decision: VAR Tim Robinson advised Coote to reverse his decision, deeming it to be handball. As he deemed it a factual decision rather than subjective, he did not send Coote to the monitor to review it.
Outcome: With no conclusive evidence as to whether the ball was low enough on Ouattara’s arm to deem it a handball, PGMOL chief Howard Webb – speaking on Sky Sports’ Match Officials Mic’d Up – said VAR was incorrect to intervene.
De Ligt foul on Ings – West Ham 2-1 Man Utd, 27 October
What: West Ham striker Danny Ings went down inside the penalty area while challenging for the ball with Manchester United defender Mathijs de Ligt.
Referee David Coote waved play on but was advised by VAR Michael Oliver to review the incident on the pitchside monitor.
Decision: Coote awarded a penalty, which Jarrod Bowen scored to give West Ham victory.
Outcome: Under-pressure Man Utd manager Ten Hag was sacked the next day. Webb later said the Hammers should not have been awarded a penalty.
Noorgard red card – Brentford 0-0 Everton, 23 November
What: Brentford’s Christian Noorgard caught Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford on the knee while challenging for the ball in the penalty area.
Decision: Referee Chris Kavanagh did not take action but was advised by the VAR to review the incident. He subsequently showed Noorgard a straight red card.
Outcome: Norgaard’s three-match suspension for serious foul play was overturned by an independent panel on appeal.
Milenkovic goal disallowed – Nottingham Forest 3-2 Southampton, 19 January
What: Nikola Milenkovic scored a header to put Nottingham Forest 4-1 up.
Decision: The VAR advised referee Anthony Taylor to disallow the goal as Forest striker Chris Wood came from an offside position and impeded the Southampton defenders to challenge for the ball. Wood did not touch the ball.
Result: An independent panel found the goal should have been given.
The Premier League’s new targets to improve VAR are as follows:
- Improve the clarity around the high threshold for VAR intervention, and make ‘referee’s call’ part of the regular football vocabulary.
- Reduce delays to the game, with SAOT introduced as soon as it is ready.
- Improve the fan experience, with clear referee announcements and replays and messaging on the big screens.
- Improve VAR training to improve decision-making.
- Improve transparency with more regular messaging for broadcasters and fans via the PL Match Centre while games are ongoing at Stockley Park.
- Develop better education and communication around VAR for fans and everyone involved with the game.
The Premier League’s commitment to refining VAR protocols reflects its dedication to maintaining the integrity of the game while improving the experience for players, officials, and fans alike.
