Elite clubs hold back over major changes to VAR
Big screens will improve communication to fans Riley warned of ‘grave concerns’ in heated talks
Premier League clubs have ducked the opportunity to make major changes to the video assistant referee system despite a fractious three-hour meeting in which referees chief Mike Riley was warned of “grave concerns” at recent controversies.
David Gold, the joint chairman of West Ham United, claimed afterwards that the technology was “alive and kicking”, despite Aston Villa chief executive Christian Purslow saying it was made clear that it needed to “do a whole lot better”.
After heated exchanges between top-tier shareholders at a London hotel, Professional Game Match Officials Limited confirmed that it had “committed to improving the consistency of decisions, speeding up processes and increasing communication to fans”.
Among minor tweaks, the league will from next month provide more detailed information for supporters on big screens in stadiums to reduce confusion during matches.
Purslow said earlier that he and others had expressed “grave concerns” during a “very robust discussion”. “The message has got through to the league and to the referees’ association that fans are unhappy, and many stakeholders in the game think we have to do a whole lot better,” he added.
However, despite tensions being aired at length, warnings that there could be a concerted campaign for major reforms failed to materialise.
Riley, managing director of PGMOL, is said to have told the clubs to keep their faith in referees as they adjusted to the technology.
“His mantra is that the league will see continuous improvement this season,” one insider said.
Chairmen were understood to have been concerned at potential damage to the integrity of the league of making changes midway through the season.
“There’s not going to be any significant change,” Gold said as he left. “There is going to be an investigation. What I can say is that VAR is alive and kicking. There was a lot of debate. We are making good progress. We will get it right.”
Riley told the top-tier shareholders that he believes the current tactic of using pitchside monitors “sparingly” should be maintained, despite recent furores.
Riley “addressed the clubs and accepted improvement is required”, a statement on his behalf said later. He was said to have told chairmen that “speed and consistency of decision-making are priority areas of work and will improve as the officials become more experienced with the technology and protocols”.
“Working within the International Football Association Board protocol, there will be increased information made available to attending fans and viewers watching around the world,” PGMOL said. “This will explain in more detail what is being checked.
“The policy of using the referee review area was discussed and it was re-emphasised that it would be reserved for unseen incidents.”
From next month, screens will explain more detail on decisions. A graphic currently saying “checking penalty” might instead say “checking penalty – possible handball”.
Under the current IFAB protocol, no video clips or stills can be shown in stadiums until the referee has made a decision, and direct audio communication from the referee or VAR to fans is also not permitted.
The Duke of Cambridge made a surprise appearance at the meeting to agree further support for a mental health awareness campaign that he is spearheading in football.