In a bold move that has sent ripples through the football community, Wolverhampton Wanderers, commonly known as Wolves, have officially submitted a bid to abolish the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system from the Premier League. This decision comes after a season fraught with controversial decisions that have left the club and its fans frustrated and calling for change.
Introduced in the 2019/20 season, VAR was heralded as a technological advancement that would bring precision and fairness to the game. However, Wolves argue that the system has led to “numerous unintended negative consequences” that are eroding the fan experience and undermining the Premier League’s value¹. The club’s statement emphasizes that while VAR’s introduction was well-intentioned, the reality has been a series of contentious decisions that have sparked debate and dissent among the football community.
Wolves have been on the receiving end of several dubious VAR decisions this season, notably in matches against Manchester United, Sheffield United, Luton, Newcastle, and a recent game against West Ham. In the latter, a late goal from Max Kilman, which would have secured a draw for Wolves, was controversially disallowed¹. Such incidents have amplified the calls for VAR’s removal, as they not only affect match outcomes but also the spontaneous joy of goal celebrations, leading to a disconnect between the fans and the game they love.
Wolves’ resolution to scrap VAR will trigger a vote at the Premier League’s annual general meeting in June. The club will need the support of at least 13 other member clubs to pass the resolution². In the lead-up to the meeting, Wolves are likely to engage in discussions with other clubs to garner support for their cause.
The Premier League has acknowledged the concerns raised by Wolves and confirmed that a discussion on VAR will take place at the upcoming annual general meeting¹. While the league and the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) remain committed to improving VAR, the upcoming debate will be a critical moment for the future of the technology in the sport.
