VAR is here to STAY! Premier League clubs agree to keep video technology despite fan anger - but demand fewer delays, in-stadium announcements and better training for refs

Premier League clubs have voted to continue to use VAR in the top-flight, it was confirmed on Thursday afternoon. 

The 20 sides in the English top-flight met at a summit on Thursday to discuss whether or not to scrap the use of the controversial technology after continued uproar over decisions, consistency, and mid-game delays. 

Wolves had spear-headed the call to part ways with VAR, however the AGM has resulted in continued operations - albeit after several demands for change around its usage. 

The vote is thought to have come out 19-1 in favour of retaining the technology, with Premier League clubs seemingly convinced after thorough discussions that the problem areas focused on will see satisfactory improvement. 

According to the Press Association, Wolves were understood to be adamant, even the day before the Premier League's annual general meeting in Harrogate, that they wanted a vote to take place, even though they anticipated a heavy defeat. 

The Premier League released a statement in the aftermath of the landmark vote, highlighting the six areas that are set to be worked on in order to continue to improve the usage of the technology. 

Those areas, according to the statement, include:

• Maintaining a high threshold for VAR intervention to deliver greater consistency and less interruptions to the flow of the game.

• Reducing delays to the game, primarily through the introduction of semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) and the maintained high threshold for VAR intervention.

• Improving fan experience through a reduction in the delays, in-stadium announcements from referees after a post-VAR change of decision and where possible, an enhanced offering of big screen replays to include all VAR interventions.

• Working with PGMOL on the implementation of more robust VAR training to improve consistency, including an emphasis on speed of process while preserving accuracy.

• Increasing transparency and communication around VAR – including expanded communications from Premier League Match Centre and through broadcast programming such as Match Officials Mic’d Up.

• The delivery of a fan and stakeholder VAR communication campaign, which will seek to further clarify VAR’s role in the game to participants and supporters.

MORE TO FOLLOW.