A slew of mistakes since the start of the new Premier League season has once again called into the question the effectiveness of VAR, and according to exclusive odds compiled by SportsLens, it is 8/1 to be scrapped by the 2025/26 season.
- PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) apologised on 10 occasions throughout the 2022/23 season.
- SportsLens’ exclusive odds suggest it could be scrapped by 2025/26 (8/1).
- Tweaks to the VAR system have been put forward, with audible explanations from officials the likeliest at 7/2 according to the odds.
Exclusive VAR Specials By 2025/26
- VAR to be Scrapped by 2025/26 – 8/1
- Audible explanations from VAR officials by 2025/26 – 7/2
- Stopping the clock for off-the-ball scenarios by 2025/26 – 10/1
- VAR to be introduced to the rest of the EFL by 2025/26 – 16/1
SportsLens Head of News Lee Astley commented on the odds, saying: “Whatever happens in that tiny shack on Stockley Park estate in west London is becoming less and less clear.
“A total scrapping of VAR is not something we can envisage, but an overhaul of its application and the technology involved is a necessity. What was supposed to be a catalyst to improve the understanding between referees, players and fans has quickly turned into the opposite.
“Stan Collymore and former top-flight referee Keith Hackett have previously suggested it should be scrapped until improvements are made. While our exclusive odds suggest removing VAR all together in the near future is fairly unlikely at 8/1, tweaks to the current system appear to be edging closer amid the growing resentment from fans, players and coaching staff.
“The likeliest development, which is already a well-established practice in video-assisted officiating in cricket and rugby, is audible explanations from referees (7/2).
“PGMOL released voice clips of VAR discussions from select games this season, but fans are eager for this to become standard practice to eliminate any doubt. Particularly after former referee Mike Dean’s admission about ‘giving his mate a break’ after his colleague was forced to make several big decisions.
“PGMOL have also been eager to crack down on time-wasting this season, with games extended by an extra 12 minutes on average so far.
“18 goals have been scored in the 90th minute or later, whilst a goal has been scored in second-half added time every 2.7 games so far – for context, the next-nearest is 2021/22 with 4.5.
“I am sure those in the lower leagues are quite content with sticking to the tradition and customs that brought us here in the first place, and until such time a ‘VAR light’ is developed there is little chance the rest of the EFL can afford it. Fans in the Premier League will continue to be at loggerheads with PGMOL so long as they continue to operate with VAR in its current state.”
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