Leicester City and Ipswich Town critical to ‘very close’ VAR vote – sources
Leicester City, Ipswich Town and potentially Leeds United will have a huge say in the Premier League vote over whether to scrap VAR this summer, which sources have told Football Insider will be “very close” and go down to the wire.
The ‘Big Six’ clubs led by Liverpool, Man United, Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham originally pushed hard for VAR to be introduced from the start of the 2019-20 season and they are now expected to stick with the technology.
The vote was triggered after Wolves formally submitted a resolution to the Premier League, with all 20 member clubs set to share their stance on the issue at the annual general meeting on 6 June.
A top Premier League source has told Football Insider the final outcome could come down to how the newly-promoted sides vote, with Leicester City and Ipswich Town already confirmed and the third place between play-off finalists Leeds United and the winners of Friday’s semi-final between West Brom and Southmapton.
Any potential rule changes need 14 clubs to vote in favour of the motion.
Wolves statement could force VAR changes
VAR was initially introduced in 2019 to help the on-field officials come to the right decisions and review any “clear and obvious” errors.
There has been increased scrutiny around its role this season following a number of high-profile incidents.
Wolves claimed VAR was introduced “in good faith” but has led to “numerous unintended negative consequences that are damaging the relationship between fans and football”.
While the Premier League has “acknowledged the concerns” regarding VAR, it still “fully supports” the technology and is looking to work with the PGMOL to make improvements.
Wolves are so far the only club to have publicly declared they will vote in favour of scrapping VAR at next month’s vote.
Premier League clubs voted last month in favour of the introduction of semi-automated offsides from the 2024-25 campaign onwards, but those plans could also be ditched if pre-VAR officiating is reintroduced in the top flight next season.
In other news, West Ham have been tipped to sign multiple Wolves stars.
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