By James Sharpe
Improve clarity for threshold of VAR intervention
Premier League will adopt the phrase ‘Referee’s Call’, like ‘Umpire’s Call’ in cricket. It’s to help re-establish the high bar for the VAR to get involved, something refs chief Howard Webb felt slipped a bit last season. Unless there is clear and obvious evidence, the decision stays with the Referee’s Call.
Reduce delays
Much-anticipated semi-automated offside technology as seen in the Euros and Champions League will make checks on average 31 seconds quicker, so say the Premier League. One problem: it won’t be used from the start of the season because the Premier League is using a different provider, Genius Sports, and it’s not ready yet.
Improve fan experience
More replays of key incidents will be shown inside the stadium this season. Referees won’t announce decisions on the microphone like at the Olympics from the off as chiefs feel it will put officials under too much pressure but plan to pilot it in other competitions. PL will continue to lobby football’s lawmakers IFAB to allow the live broadcast of VAR communications.
Improve VAR training and consistency
Webb plans to recruit and develop a pool of specialist VARs and set up a specific training curriculum with, to use their own phrase, ‘an emphasis on speed of process while preserving accuracy’.
Be more transparent
A new X account for the Premier League’s Match Centre will post explanations and reasons for VAR decisions as they happen during matches. Webb hopes to continue and improve his Match Officials Mic’d Up show that allows fans to listen to VAR discussions of controversial incidents.
Educate and communicate
Webb wants to develop an education campaign to improve the understanding of how VAR works among players, managers, media and fans. Premier League managers have been encouraged not to slam refereeing decisions in post-match press conferences.