The speculations surrounding VAR’s introduction in the English Premier League (EPL) has now been put to rest as it will not be introduced to the Premier League next season.
This was made known after the Premier League clubs agreed on Friday that more testing is required before its introduction in the EPL.
In a statement, the Premier League said: “Premier League clubs have today agreed to continue advanced testing of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) throughout season 2018/19.
“The decision came after comprehensive discussions regarding the progress made in VAR trials in English football, and the key learning from the many competitions using it elsewhere.
“The clubs recognized and are grateful for the substantial developments made by PGMOL Managing Director Mike Riley and his team.
“The clubs agreed that advanced testing will continue to the end of the 2018/19 season to make further improvements to the system, especially around communication inside the stadium and for those following at home and around the world.
“The Premier League will also be asking for VAR to be used more extensively in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup in season 2018/19.”
So far the VAR technology has been put to use in the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup this season but not without controversies probably owing to lack of communication in the decision making within the stadium and viewers at home and in viewing centres.
VAR is already being used in some leagues, including the Bundesliga and FIFA have approved its introduction in the forthcoming World Cup billed for Russia.
UEFA on the other hand have confirmed they would not be hasty in fast tracking the introduction of VAR in the Champions League or the Europa League next season.
In the competitions used in English (the Carabao and FA Cup), soccer fans have been left confused while stoppages in between games have most times taken long periods for decisions to be made.
We hope VAR’s introduction in Russia 2018 will not rub off the shine and glamour the World Cup is known for.