The Premier League is anticipated to greenlight plans for referees to provide explanations for VAR decision changes ahead of the 2024/25 season, aiming to address concerns about prolonged VAR checks and the lack of transparency surrounding decision alterations, particularly in stadiums like Old Trafford and Anfield that lack large screens.
According to ESPN, the Premier League is hoping to implement regulations for referees to communicate decisions to crowds prior to the 2024/25 campaign. Howard Webb, the chief refereeing officer for the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), discussed these plans on Match Officials Mic’d Up, a program where VAR decisions are elucidated, and referee communication is made audible.
Webb stated, “When you hear the clips on shows like this, it makes sense what’s happening; it all becomes apparent. We’re exploring ways to enhance the in-stadium experience. One of the things you’ll have seen maybe in FIFA tournaments, like the Women’s World Cup, is announcements from the referee once they’ve been to the screen. So we’re considering that, we’re open-minded about whether that’s something we could implement in the Premier League. It would be really useful for the referee to be able to address all the people in the stadium – [to explain] the rationale.”
Webb concluded by noting the ongoing efforts to enhance accuracy and efficiency in officiating, aiming to leverage technology to benefit the game’s overall integrity, similar to the impact of VAR in recent years.
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