Premier League clubs are set to decide whether to bin VAR from next season.
As reported by The Athletic, all 20 teams will meet at an annual general meeting next month where a decision on the game’s technology will be made.
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The vote comes after Wolves submitted an official resolution to the problems VAR causes every week, automatically triggering a vote.
It will take place on 6 June and at least 14 clubs will need to vote in favour of the Midlands club’s proposal for it to pass.
Furthermore, Wolves released a statement, saying: “After careful consideration and with the utmost respect for the Premier League, [referees body] PGMOL and our fellow competitors.
“There is no blame to be placed — we are all just looking for the best possible outcome for football — and all stakeholders have been working hard to try and make the introduction of additional technology a success.
“However, after five seasons of VAR in the Premier League, it is time for a constructive and critical debate on its future.
“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.”
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Premier League clubs to vote on proposal to scrap VAR from next season. Resolution formally submitted by Wolves to abolish system + will be on agenda at June 6 AGM. Any rule change needs 2/3s majority (14 of 20 members) to pass @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/QXK5ZgP0Ht
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) May 15, 2024
Following their statement, Wolves listed what they deem to be the negative consequences of VAR and suggested it is damaging the relationship between spectators and those involved in the game.
This included stadium discontent during long waits for checks, goal celebrations being ruined or tamed due to uncertainty and overanalysing of key moments in matches.
A spokesperson for the Premier League confirmed the vote will take place in June, but reaffirmed the league’s position, which is in support of the technology.
Their statement read: “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 are 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.”
🚨 BREAKING: Premier League clubs will be asked to vote on a possible abolition of VAR, proposed by Wolves pic.twitter.com/NFmyFvjvlM
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 15, 2024
Since VAR was introduced in 2019, there have been growing frustrations at the number of errors that are still made in the top flight.
In the 2023-24 campaign alone, there have been some huge controversies.
In September, Liverpool’s Luis Diaz had a goal wrongly ruled out for offside against Tottenham, with the Reds going on to lose that game.
Additionally, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was left furious after Anthony Gordon scored a controversial winner against his side in November.
Most recently, Nottingham Forest posted a statement openly questioning the integrity of VAR and Stuart Attwell following a series of decisions that went against them in a loss to Everton.
A vote in favour of Wolves’ resolution would most likely see some aspects of modern technology remain in the game, with semi-automated offsides due to be introduced for the 2024-25 campaign.
