July 24 – English football’s refereeing boss Mike Riley (pictured) was presenting his eagerly awaited season review of the video assistant referee system today at a Premier League shareholders’ meeting.
Riley was delivering findings on the impact on league games of VAR which was introduced to the Premier League for the first time during the current campaign, but has been the topic of intense debate.
It was designed to help referees and eliminate errors but has been lambasted over its inconsistency and the way it is being interpreted.
The Premier League is expected to hold talks with FIFA during the summer break after football’s world governing body took over responsibility for VAR from the game’s lawmakers on July 1.
Speaking on VAR back in February, Richard Masters, the Premier League chief executive, said that VAR was “here to stay” despite widespread consternation about its efficacity.
“It is having a positive impact on the result of matches and on the league table. That is its primary objective,” said Masters
“We haven’t resolved every issue over communication inside stadiums. Everyone is committed to making it work better. Our own research suggests fans do want VAR, but they want it to work better and we’re in agreement with that.”
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1713854689labto1713854689ofdlr1713854689owedi1713854689sni@w1713854689ahsra1713854689w.wer1713854689dna1713854689