Premier League Acknowledges Need for VAR Improvements: Faster Decisions and Better In-Stadium Experience

Premier League chief football officer, Tony Scholes, has acknowledged that improvements must be made to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in the future. Scholes has highlighted two key areas that need attention: the time it takes for VAR decisions and the in-stadium experience for supporters.

Scholes admitted that VAR decisions take too long and disrupt the flow of the game. He emphasized that there are too many checks, which contribute to the delays. While VAR has increased the number of correct decisions from 82% to 96%, Scholes acknowledged that changes are necessary.

Another area of concern is the poor in-stadium experience for supporters. Scholes recognized that the current state of VAR affects supporters' enjoyment of the game and stated that improvements are needed.

Despite these challenges, Scholes believes that VAR is an effective tool in supporting match officials on the pitch. However, he emphasized that there is room for improvement and work needs to be done.

Scholes also discussed the possibility of playing audio footage between VAR and on-field referees, but clarified that it is not currently allowed by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). He expressed his personal view that live audio and video playback, along with post-match explanations, could enhance the transparency of VAR decisions.

In conclusion, the Premier League acknowledges the need for improvements to the VAR system. The focus areas include reducing decision time and enhancing the in-stadium experience for supporters. While VAR has been largely successful, there is a recognition that changes are necessary to address the current challenges and ensure a better overall experience for all stakeholders.