Premier League clubs vote against introduction of VAR for 2018/19 season

The new technology, being trialled in this season's FA and EFL Cup competitions, has come under fire after a number of high profile controversies

Friday 13 April 2018 09:52 EDT
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VAR won't be seen in the Premier League next season
VAR won't be seen in the Premier League next season (Getty)

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Premier League clubs have voted against the introduction of Video Assistant Referees (VAR) for the 2018/19 season.

The new technology, being trialled in this season's FA and EFL Cup competitions, has come under fire after a number of high profile controversies.

And clubs have voted unanimously against it and are instead in favour of further testing.

A statement read: "Premier League clubs have today agreed to continue advanced testing of Video Assistant Referees (VAR) throughout the 2018/19 season. The decision came after comprehensive discussions regarding the progress made in VAR trials in English football, and key learnings from the many competitions elsewhere using it.

"The clubs recognised and are grateful for the substantial developments made by PGMOL Managing Director Mike Riley and his team.

The major teething problem in VAR's use during this season's FA Cup, as well as in other competitions around Europe, has been a lack of communication in the decision-making process for fans in the stadium.

Supporters have been left bewildered while games have been stopped for long periods of time while decisions were being made.


The Premier League has seen a number of decisions that would've seen VAR used 

 The Premier League has seen a number of decisions that would've seen VAR used 
 (Getty)

The testing will focus on how that can be improved and the Premier League hopes to see it used in the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup next term.The statement continued: "The clubs agreed that advanced testing will continue to the end of season 2018/19 to make further improvements to the system, especially around communication inside the stadium and for those following at home and around the world.

"The Premier League will also be asking for VAR to be used more extensively in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup in season 2018/19."

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