4 months ago
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A MAJOR change to VAR has been announced ahead of the 2024-25 Premier League season.
Fans will now be able to access updates from Stockley Park throughout each match, explaining the decisions made by VAR officials.
EPA
AFPThe updates will be provided on Premier League Match Centre, a brand-new X account.
An official statement from the Premier League on Tuesday read: “The Premier League has launched a new X account @PLMatchCentre ahead of the start of the 2024/25 season.
“For the first time, the social media account will provide near-live explainers and updates on operational and officiating matters for every Premier League match.
“The account will post factual explanations of on-pitch refereeing decisions and the involvement of the video assistant referee (VAR) including the role of technology in the decision-making process.
“In the absence of live VAR audio being broadcast, as it is not permitted in football, the Premier League Match Centre will be able to relay on social media near-live information from the VAR Hub during a game.
“Premier League Match Centre – based at Stockley Park – is the operational hub of the League that helps with the smooth running of matchday operations of the competition.
“It is linked into all 20 Premier League stadiums, the VAR Hub and broadcast partners around the world.”
The new feature aims to give fans more transparency in the VAR decision making process.
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There have been a number of controversial incidents linked with VAR since it was introduced to the Premier League ahead of the 2019-20 season.
Last season, Nottingham Forest sparked a storm after criticising officials on social media.
The Reds claimed three “poor decisions” went against them during a match against Everton.
Managers such as Gary O’Neil and Mikel Arteta have also been critical.
Many fans are pleased with the new feature, with one person taking to social media to write: “Few years too late. But progress is progress…”
Another commented: “Finally! This is a big step forward.”
A third joked: “Let the chaos begin. This should be fun.”
While another person was torn, writing: “This could end really well or really badly.”
The new Premier League season kicks off this weekend with Manchester United vs Fulham on Friday.
VAR: Imagine the future...
Martin Lipton’s pro VAR view
FAST forward 12 months to May 18, 2025.
After 89 minutes at Molineux, Wolves, needing to win their last game of the season to stay up, are beating Manchester United, who require a point for Champions League football.
A ball over the top sends Rasmus Hojlund racing away. The flag stays down. Hojlund scores. Wolves are relegated.
And on the way home, the dejected Wolves fans see the still image on their phones.
Hojlund was 2ft offside. No question. A shocker.
It means at least a year in the Championship, £100million income drop, a firesale of the squad. While United bank an extra £50m.
But it’s OK. Every one of those fans, plus smiling boss Gary O’Neil and the Wolves board, will line up to say: “No worries. It’s what we voted for. Rough with the smooth.”
Yes. And I’ve got a bridge to Ireland to sell you.
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