Liverpool at odds with Jurgen Klopp over game-changing plan – sources
Liverpool are backing VAR to remain in the Premier League after Wolves triggered a vote on whether to scrap it for next season.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed there are currently no other top-flight clubs coming out in support of Wolves in their bid to abolish the technology.
The vote was triggered after Wanderers 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.
O’Rourke revealed Liverpool are a key backer behind VAR and want to see the technology remain beyond this season.
That is at odds with outgoing Reds manager Jurgen Klopp, who has now admitted he would “scrap VAR” as officials are “not able to use the technology properly”.
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 to be secured by play-off finalists Leeds United and either West Brom or Southampton.
Premier League rules state any potential rule changes need 14 clubs to vote in favour of the motion.
Liverpool to vote in favour of keeping VAR next season
VAR has been a hotly debated topic since it was originally introduced in 2019 to help the on-field officials reach the right decisions and clear up any potential errors.
There have been a number of high-profile incidents this season, raising questions over whether the technology is having the desired effect.
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”.
O’Rourke revealed the clubs competing in Europe next season are likely to want to keep VAR in place due to difficulties around adapting to playing under different officiating rules.
Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon hit the headlines earlier this week when he called for VAR to be scrapped or improvements to be made after seeing a controversial decision go against him in his side’s game against Manchester United.
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.
In other news, Liverpool target Marc Guehi is likely to leave Crystal Palace this summer.
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