VAR set for Premier League next season News

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VAR set for Premier League next season

By Daily Sports on November 16, 2018

Video assistant referees are set to be used in the Premier League next season, after clubs agreed in principle to their introduction.

The Premier League will now make a formal request to the International Football Association Board and Fifa.

VAR was used at the 2018 World Cup, is in operation in Italy and Germany's top divisions, and has been utilised in some FA Cup and Carabao Cup games.

The Premier League has been carrying out “non-live” trials this season.

VAR will also be used in the Champions League from next season.

In April, Premier League clubs voted against it being used for the 2018-19 season.

On Saturday, Southampton’s Charlie Austin called for a change after he was denied a goal for offside against Watford, a decision he called a “joke”. Saints manager Mark Hughes added: “All the major sports have video reviews and for some reason the Premier League, which is watched all around the world, is still in the dark ages.”

VAR has been trialled regularly in a “non-live environment” in the Premier League this season, although match officials have not been contacted by those conducting the trials.

Clubs were given an update at a meeting on Thursday.

A statement from the Premier League said its testing programme would continue for the rest of the season “with a continued emphasis on those Saturday afternoons which have several matches being played concurrently”.

How VAR decisions are communicated to fans in the stadium will also be addressed.

Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey, speaking on BBC Radio 5 live’s Afternoon Edition: “I think it is a good thing. I know a lot of people are against it but we’ve got to embrace it now and move forward.” (BBC)

•Photo shows VAR

Source Daily Sports

Posted November 16, 2018