‘No way back’ – Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag calls for VAR change ahead of key vote

Erik ten Hag believes VAR will not be abandoned as there is no going back from using the technology now, but has called for improvements to the system.

Premier League clubs are set to hold a discussion and vote on the future of VAR at their annual general meeting on June 6 after Wolves tabled a motion to scrap the controversial video aid for referees. Other clubs are angry about VAR, but the Premier League continues to support it, with teams only recently voting to introduce semi-automated offsides from the 2024/25 season.

Clubs at the AGM will be asked if they want to opt out of VAR, which was first introduced for the 2019/20 season, and needs at least 14 clubs to be in favor to go through. A debate over the system is more likely to begin and Manchester United manager Ten Hag believes improvements can be made.

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“I don’t think there is a way back, basically it makes football fairer, but there are some problems, we have to find solutions to these problems, make improvements,” he said.

In their statement, Wolves said: “After five seasons of VAR in the Premier League, it is time for a constructive and critical debate on its future.

“Our position is that the price we pay for a small increase in accuracy is at odds with the spirit of our game and therefore we should remove it from the 2024-25 season.”

A Premier League spokesman said this week: “The Premier League can confirm that it will facilitate a discussion about VAR with our clubs at next month’s Annual General Meeting.

“Clubs have the right to present proposals at shareholder meetings and we recognize the concerns and issues surrounding the use of VAR.

“However, the League fully supports the use of VAR and remains committed, alongside the PGMOL, to making continuous improvements to the system for the benefit of the game and the fans.”