Exclusive: Howard Webb faces axe after Tottenham VAR fury
Keith Hackett believes Howard Webb’s future as head of PGMOL hinges on the success of semi-automated offside technology after more lengthy VAR delays enraged Tottenham.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that clear and obvious errors “should be dealt with in a matter of seconds”, as opposed to the prolonged delays we are currently seeing.
During Tottenham’s 3-1 win over Southampton on Sunday (6 April), Lucas Bergvall and Spurs were forced to endure a near five-minute wait whilst VAR analysed the Swede’s goal for offside, having waited even longer to find out that Moises Caicedo’s goal against them had been ruled out for the same reason in the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea on 3 April.
These delays were no isolated to Spurs, as several minutes were also spent looking at incidents in Ipswich‘s match against Wolves, and Evanilson’s second goal against West Ham.
Following a delay by the Premier League to the introduction of semi-automated offside technology (SAOT), it will finally be in use in the Premier League in the next round of games, beginning with Man City’s clash with Crystal Palace at 12.30 pm on Saturday, 12 April.
Richard Keys suggests VAR delays may be intentional
Whilst many fans will be excited to see the rollout of SAOT, others will be more sceptical.
Bournemouth and Wolves fans were subjected to an eight-minute wait, after the technology failed in their FA Cup match-up in March, which contributed to the Premier League‘s decision to delay it’s introduction.
Speaking in his blog about SAOT, Richard Keys gave an interesting analysis of the delays fans have been forced to endure at the hands of VAR, whilst also suggesting that if the technology failed, Webb “will have to go”, saying:
“A couple of things here – my mate at beIN SPORTS is convinced they created these delays so they can tell us how well their new semi-automated system works next week (he’s got a point) and I wonder how much the delays are responsible for so many of the muscle injuries teams are sustaining? My guess is a fair few.
“The next time I write it will be after the introduction of the long awaited semi-automated offside tech. We’re not using the tried and tested system that works in the CL and WC. We’ve developed our own with Apple and Genius Sports.
“It was tested recently in the FA Cup and led to that eight minute delay at Bournemouth – before it was abandoned. Howard Webb had better pray it works now – or I’m afraid he will have to go.”
Keith Hackett gives verdict on SAOT, PGMOL and Richard Keys’ verdict
Having been asked by Football Insider for his views on Keys’ comments, the current state of VAR after the Tottenham incidents upset Ange Postecoglou again [Telegraph], the introduction of SAOT, and what it could all mean for Webb, ex-PGMOL chief Hackett provided his expert insight by saying:
“I find myself nodding in agreement with Richard Keys’ comments.
“Clear and obvious errors should be dealt with in a matter of seconds not the lengthy delays we are seeing.
“The level of competence is called into question when it takes minutes and several reviews to make a decision.
“It is evident to me that there needs to be an independent, fully trained, and accountable panel of specialist VAR operators.
“There is no doubt that the season-long delay in the introduction of the semi-automated offside decision is frankly unacceptable.
| Average VAR delay by season | Delay in seconds |
| 2024/25 | 25 |
| 2023/24 | 64 |
| 2022/23 | 40 |
“Let us make it clear that in the Bournemouth game, where it took a lamentable eight minutes to make a decision, the system produced by Genius Sports failed.
“This system that will operate from Week 32 of the Premier League is not the system used by UEFA and FIFA where the accuracy of that system relies on the patented chip in the ADIDAS ball a the Premier League currently use the Nike ball.
“Frankly, with the continuing decline in officiating in England and Webb three years in post, I share Richard Keys’ view that if it fails, then questions should be asked about the role Webb is playing because all I witness is weak, indecisive officiating with some referees not fit for purpose.
“Ask the fans; they will tell you how they view the current standards.”
Hackett then added: “The PGMOL need a root and branch review of five things: Organisation, a detailed review of every employee, top to bottom, [there] appears to be a lot of duplication.
“VAR, [there needs to be a] separate specialist panel.
”[The] coaching Structure is clearly not adequate, an update [is necessary] involving Poll, Clattenburg and others.
“Performance Review System, assessors, match delegates [all need addressing].
“Finances, £33 million should be more than adequate [in reference to PGMOL’s turnover being £33million in the accounts posted on Companies House for 2023].