According to financial expert Kieran Maguire, there’s a call for significant changes to VAR in the Premier League, with clubs expressing discontent. The Telegraph revealed that discussions are underway among football’s governing bodies to modify VAR in response to backlash from top-flight clubs.
Arsenal issued a club statement urging the PGMOL to address officiating in the Premier League after Anthony Gordon’s controversial goal stood, while Liverpool previously wrote to the PGMOL about an incorrectly ruled-out goal by Luis Diaz against Tottenham.
Maguire acknowledges that VAR has achieved its primary objective of reducing errors, asserting its continued relevance in football. However, he understands the frustration of clubs, given the financial implications of each position in the league table, with approximately £2.5 million at stake for every position.
The potential variance of two or three points by the end of the season could mean a £10 million difference for clubs.
While VAR was introduced to minimize errors, Maguire points out that the focus often centers on the one percent of incorrect decisions, potentially overshadowing the broader benefits it brings. He cites instances like the Luis Diaz goal against Spurs as a glaring error and mentions a situation where Brighton drew lines against the wrong defender during a match against Crystal Palace last year.
In emphasizing the financial stakes involved, Maguire sheds light on why clubs are eager to ensure accurate decisions, given the substantial monetary rewards tied to league positions.
The frustration expressed by clubs, exemplified by Arsenal’s statement, underscores the importance of precision in officiating, especially in situations where goals are contested due to VAR decisions.
While acknowledging the flaws, Maguire contends that VAR has overall contributed to reducing errors in football, fulfilling its intended purpose. However, he calls for a balanced perspective, urging a recognition of the broader positive impact alongside the need to address specific shortcomings in the system.
As discussions unfold about potential changes to VAR, the ongoing debate raises questions about finding the right balance between addressing grievances and preserving the system’s positive contributions to officiating accuracy in football.
