VAR in the Premier League 2018-19: Why isn't technology being used next season?

Getty Images
Tony Mogan25 July 2018

During the World Cup, VAR was formally introduced to the football world. Despite plenty of pre-competition concern, the video assistant referee was one of the stars of Russia and was generally well received – bar one or two inevitable teething problems.

But just as we were beginning to get used to it, VAR is about to disappear again. With the return of the Premier League in just a few short weeks, football’s most recent innovation will be dropped for the traditional format where all the big decisions are made solely by the match official – with a little help from his assistants.

Last April, Premier League clubs voted against VAR being introduced in time for the 2018-19 season. The decision to pass on its implementation was approved by a two-thirds majority at a meeting of the 20 top flight clubs, who felt further trials were needed before it can become a constant presence in the league.

Why did the Premier League vote against VAR?

A statement from the Premier League issued after that decisive vote insisted clubs felt “further improvements” were needed based on last season’s tests in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. Particularly, “around communications inside the stadium and for those following at home and around the world.”

While VAR was largely viewed as a success during the World Cup, the Premier League felt its decision to hold fire on its full implementation was vindicated after one particular incident that took place in the final.

VAR was used to award France a first-half penalty when Croatia’s Ivan Perisic was adjudged to have deliberately handled the ball inside the penalty box following Antoine Griezmann’s corner.

While some felt the contact was unavoidable, referee Nestor Pitana, who initially ignored French calls for a spot kick, changed his mind after seeing the replay even though he had not made a clear and obvious error.

When will VAR be used in the Premier League?

Premier League clubs will have another chance to vote in VAR ahead of the 2019-20 season. After more trials over the coming campaign, they will be presented with the findings before making their decision. Again, a two-thirds majority of the 20 clubs would be required to bring it in.

Will it be used in the FA Cup?

VAR will continue to be used in selected FA Cup and Carabao Cup games this season.

Will VAR be used in La Liga and Serie A?

The Premier League will be the only major top flight league in Europe operating without VAR next season. La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga and Ligue 1 will all be using the technology for the 2018-19 campaign.

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in