Premier League Eyes VAR for Corner Kick Decisions as IFAB Opens Door
The English Premier League is set to gauge the opinions of its member clubs regarding the potential introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) checks for corner kick awards. This significant development follows a new option provided by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the game’s international rule-making body. IFAB has given competitions the go-ahead to implement these corner kick checks from the upcoming season, with the crucial caveat that they must not lead to undue delays in the match.
While this particular amendment will be adopted for the forthcoming World Cup in North America, the Premier League must still deliberate and reach a consensus on its domestic application.
Club Consultations Underway
Premier League clubs were recently briefed on the potential law changes by the league’s director of football, Tony Scholes, during a meeting held on Thursday. It is now anticipated that a survey will be circulated among the clubs to formally gather their views and preferences on this matter.
This move comes at a time when UEFA, European football’s governing body, is preparing to convene with the Premier League and other major European leagues this summer. The primary objective of these discussions is to forge a more unified approach to how VAR is interpreted and applied across the continent.
There appears to be a strong commitment within UEFA to standardise the understanding and implementation of the VAR protocol. Further discussions aimed at fostering a more consistent application are planned following the conclusion of the World Cup.
Addressing VAR’s “Microscopic” Tendencies
Concerns have been voiced by Roberto Rosetti, UEFA’s chief of referees, regarding the current direction of VAR. Last month, he expressed apprehension that VAR might be deviating from its original intent – to rectify only “clear and obvious” errors – and is becoming excessively “microscopic” in its interventions.
Rosetti articulated his concerns, stating, “I believe we need to, at the end of the season, speak about this, because we cannot go in this direction of microscopic VAR intervention.” He further emphasised, “We love football like it is.”
The Pursuit of Uniformity in Officiating
Rosetti highlighted the ongoing issue of differing interpretations in football officiating, citing handball decisions as a prime example. He underscored the critical need for greater consistency in how these rules are applied by referees and VAR officials alike.
“I believe that in Europe, we must speak only one technical language,” Rosetti asserted. “For us, this is the target. We cannot speak different technical languages across Europe. It’s not good,” he added.
He continued, “We need only one technical interpretation. We are speaking a lot. We were speaking a lot before the season – we need to speak again.”
VAR Usage Statistics in the Premier League
As of mid-February this season, the Premier League has recorded a relatively low average of 0.15 on-field VAR reviews per game. This figure stands in favourable comparison to the 0.36 reviews per game observed in the UEFA Champions League, suggesting a potentially more judicious use of VAR in domestic English football. This data point may inform the club’s discussions as they consider expanding VAR’s remit to include corner kick decisions. The ongoing dialogue between UEFA and the Premier League signifies a broader effort to refine and standardise the use of technology in football, aiming for a more consistent and enjoyable experience for fans and players alike.
