1 week Ago By Ernest Victor
Premier League referees’ chief, Howard Webb has highlighted that there has been an impressive 80% reduction in video assistant referee (VAR) errors this season. Since the introduction of VAR in the Premier League five years ago, its application continues to generate discussion and sometimes, negative feedback. The independent Key Match Incidents panel (KMI) reported 31 instances of incorrect VAR usage during the 2023-2024 season.
Despite some challenges, Premier League clubs voted overwhelmingly, 19-1, in favor of maintaining VAR after Wolverhampton Wanderers called for its removal. An independent survey commissioned by the Premier League revealed that 80% of fans support keeping VAR in the league. To enhance transparency, the Premier League has commenced sharing VAR decisions through a dedicated social media channel.
Although the rollout of semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) has been postponed until 2025, the commitment to improving the system remains strong. Webb, the chief refereeing officer at Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), has pointed out significant improvements this season, stating, “We’re excelling in identifying clear errors, those obvious mistakes that stand out.” He emphasized the value of the independent panel of ex-players who evaluate decisions weekly, noting that only two VAR errors have been recorded this season compared to ten at the same point last year.
Furthermore, Webb stressed the importance of reducing the time taken to make decisions. “We’re making progress but will continue to strive for improvement,” he remarked. Note that the average delay for VAR interventions has decreased remarkably from 70 seconds last season to just 25 seconds this campaign.
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