The Premier League has confirmed that it will continue to use the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the upcoming season, despite calls from some clubs to scrap the technology. The decision was made at the Annual General Meeting of the Premier League, where all 20 member clubs voted in favor of continuing to use VAR.
However, the Premier League has acknowledged that improvements need to be made to the system, and has identified six key areas to focus on:
- Maintaining a high threshold for VAR intervention to reduce interruptions to the flow of the game
- Reducing delays to the game, primarily through the introduction of semi-automated offside technology (SAOT)
- Improving fan experience through a reduction in delays and increased communication
- Working with PGMOL on the implementation of more robust VAR training to improve consistency
- Increasing transparency and communication around VAR
- Delivery of a fan and stakeholder VAR communication campaign
One of the most significant changes to VAR in the Premier League will be the introduction of semi-automated offside technology (SAOT). This technology will provide quicker and more consistent placement of the virtual offside line, based on optical player tracking, and will produce high-quality broadcast graphics to enhance the in-stadium and broadcast experience for supporters.
The introduction of SAOT is expected to reduce delays to the game, as well as improve the accuracy of offside decisions. The technology is expected to be introduced in the autumn of 2024, and will be used in addition to the existing VAR system.
In addition to the introduction of SAOT, the Premier League will also be working to improve the training of VAR officials, in order to increase consistency and accuracy ¹. This will include an emphasis on speed of process, while preserving accuracy.
The Premier League will also be increasing transparency and communication around VAR, including expanded communications from the Premier League Match Centre and through broadcast programming such as "Match Officials Mic'd Up" ¹. This will help to improve the fan experience and will provide more insight into the decision-making process of VAR officials.
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