Premier League could ditch VAR from next season after Wolves forces unprecedented vote

Premier League clubs will be given the opportunity to scrap VAR after a proposal to axe the current system was tabled by Wolves.

The video assistant referees have been in place in the Premier League since 2019 but has caused controversy in many matches for both clubs and fans alike.

A statement from Wolves confirmed the move came after "careful consideration and with the utmost respect for the Premier League, (referees body) PGMOL and our fellow competitors."

"Wolves have formally submitted a resolution to the Premier League to trigger a vote at the league’s AGM in June, on the removal of VAR from the start of the 2024/25 season.

"The introduction of VAR in 2019/20 was a decision made in good faith and with the best interests of football and the Premier League at its heart.

"However, it has led to numerous unintended negative consequences that are damaging the relationship between fans and football, and undermining the value of the Premier League brand."Our position is that the price we are paying for a small increase in accuracy is at odds with the spirit of our game, and as a result, we should remove it from the 2024/25 season onwards."

Wolves have been on the wrong side of many VAR decisions this season.

Their boss Gary O'Neil has been critical of the system and the standard of refereeing, which has seen him receive a one-match touchline ban.

However, he's also been apologised to by the PGMOL for mistakes that have gone against his side.

Another Premier League, Nottingham Forest have publicly criticised VAR and its implementation of it this season.

Following their 2-0 loss against Everton in April. Forest first issued a club statement on X, minutes after the final whistle, in which they said they had “warned” referees’ chief Howard Webb that Attwell “is a Luton fan” but that no change was made to the match appointment.

Forest felt aggrieved that challenges by Everton’s Ashley Young on Giovanni Reyna and Callum Hudson-Odoi were not given as spot-kicks, and also felt Young should have penalised for handball inside the box.

The club went further on and called on PGMOL to change its rules on officials’ allegiances to account for “contextual rivalries in the league table”, not just local rivalries.

The Premier League said it was “extremely disappointed” by the statement issued on Sunday and added: “It is never appropriate to improperly question the integrity of match officials, and the nature of these comments means the Premier League will also be investigating the matter in relation to the league’s rules.”

Well, after Wolves request, a Premier League spokesperson said: "The Premier League can confirm it will facilitate a discussion on VAR with our clubs at the Annual General Meeting next month.

"Clubs are entitled to put forward proposals at Shareholders’ meetings and we acknowledge the concerns and issues around the use of VAR."

"However, the League fully supports the use of VAR and remains committed, alongside PGMOL, to make continued improvements to the system for the benefit of the game and fans."