Premier League to Use VAR Next Season

Premier League clubs have agreed in principle to introduce video assistant referees (VAR) from the start of next season.

The Bundesliga, La Liga and Serie A are already using VAR, which allows disputed incidents to be reviewed with the use of video replays, and the technology was used at the World Cup in Russia this year.

English clubs were provided with an update on this season’s VAR trials, with key examples of its use in the FA Cup and League Cup discussed in detail.

“The League will now formally make a request to the International Football Association Board and FIFA to use VAR next season,” the Premier League said in a statement.

The League has been using goal line technology since 2013.

The decision comes after contentious refereeing decisions overshadowed a 1-1 league draw between Southampton and Watford last weekend.

Southampton striker Charlie Austin demanded the introduction of VAR after his goal was disallowed by referee Simon Hooper, who deemed Maya Yoshida to have interfered with the ball from an offside position.

The introduction of the technology comes after clubs voted unanimously against its use in England’s top flight during the 2018-19 campaign, instead agreeing to continue testing of the system.