Improving VAR Performance and Transparency in the Premier League

The Premier League has acknowledged that there have been 20 incorrect decisions made by VAR this season. However, they maintain that the majority of supporters are in favor of the technology, citing a survey conducted by the league itself. According to the survey, there has been a 14% increase in correct decisions since the introduction of VAR.

The details of the survey have not been made public, but Tony Scholes, the Premier League's chief football officer, recently discussed VAR's performance and plans for improvement in an interview with senior reporter Rob Dorsett.

VAR's Impact on Decision-Making

Before the introduction of VAR, 82% of refereeing decisions were deemed correct. Since the implementation of VAR, this figure has risen to 96%. Scholes asserts that VAR is a highly effective tool in supporting match officials on the pitch.

The Key Match Incidents Panel

To ensure the improvement of refereeing standards, the Premier League established an independent panel called the Key Match Incidents Panel (KMI panel). Comprised of former players, coaches, and referees, the panel assesses all major decisions made by referees in every Premier League game. Their opinions are then used by the Premier League and the Professional Match Game Officials Limited (PGMOL) to enhance standards.

VAR Performance in the Current Season

According to the KMI panel's assessment, VAR has correctly intervened in 57 instances this season. However, there have been 20 VAR errors, with 17 of them being failures to intervene when the panel believed it was necessary. Three incorrect decisions were made when VAR did intervene, including a factual mistake in disallowing Luis Diaz's goal for Liverpool against Tottenham. The panel also identified two subjective errors when VAR intervened.

Acknowledging Issues with VAR

Scholes acknowledges that there are two major issues with VAR that need to be addressed. Firstly, the time taken to check decisions is excessive and affects the flow of the game. Secondly, the in-stadium experience for supporters is subpar and requires improvement.

Constraints and Future Plans

Scholes expresses frustration with the current constraints imposed by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which limit what the Premier League can say during and after the VAR process. However, he believes that progress will be made, and both video and audio will eventually be played live and explained afterwards to enhance transparency.

Improving Standards

The Premier League and PGMOL have initiated a project to identify future specialist VARs from lower leagues. These referees will undergo training to develop a group of specialist VARs who will complement the existing select group of VARs.

Semi-Automated Offsides

The Premier League has plans to introduce semi-automated offsides, similar to UEFA and FIFA. However, technical concerns with the current systems being trialed need to be addressed before implementation. The league aims to avoid unintended problems and will seek club approval before introducing this technology.

In conclusion, while VAR has led to an increase in correct decisions, there have been some errors and areas for improvement. The Premier League is committed to addressing these issues and enhancing the overall performance and transparency of VAR.