Nick Babb

10:00am - 2:00pm

Email the studio

Hue And Cry

Looking For Linda

Listen Live Podcasts

Premier League clubs to meet in Harrogate to consider scrapping VAR

Thursday, 16 May 2024 10:49

Clubs will decide whether to scrap VAR at a meeting next month.

Harrogate will host a crucial meeting between Premier League clubs next month as they consider scrapping VAR.

Representatives from the league’s twenty clubs will be meeting at an unnamed Harrogate location on 6th June.

And the main item on the agenda is the notion of scrapping VAR (Video Assistant Referees) after a series of controversial decisions throughout the 23/24 Premier League season.

VAR was originally introduced in 2019 with the intention of improving on-field refereeing decisions by giving officials access to video technology.

But it continues to be a controversial topic of discussion.

The idea of abolishing VAR is being spearheaded by Wolverhampton Wanderers - one of the clubs on the receiving end of contentious calls this season.

A club statement said:

“There is no blame to be placed — we are all just looking for the best possible outcome for football — and all stakeholders have been working hard to try and make the introduction of additional technology a success.

“However, 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 are paying for a small increase in accuracy is at odds with the spirit of our game, and as a result we should remove it from the 2024/25 season onwards.”

The vote would require a two thirds majority (14-6) to dispense with VAR.

A Premier League spokesperson said:

“The Premier League can confirm it will facilitate a discussion on VAR with our clubs at the annual general meeting next month.

“Clubs are entitled to put forward proposals at shareholders’ meetings and we acknowledge the concerns and issues around the use of VAR.

“However, the league fully supports the use of VAR and remains committed, alongside PGMOL, to make continued improvements to the system for the benefit of the game and fans.”

More from Local News

Stump Cross Cavern shortlisted for People's Choice Award

The much-loved local attraction is celebrating after being named a finalist in the People’s Choice category.
Your Christmas to provide seasonal joy on DAB across North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire is getting its own special Christmas present this year - a radio station playing non-stop festive favourites and a flavour of the best of life at Christmas in the county.
Communities asked to help support new opportunities in Harrogate

Communities and businesses in Harrogate are being invited to help shape ambitious new plans to boost investment and opportunities in the town.
Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust signs Smokefree Pledge

The trust confirmed its commitment to supporting patients, staff and the local community to quit smoking.
Henshaws Festive Showcase to return to Ripon for a second year

The Henshaws Festive Showcase will return to Ripon Cathedral on Monday 24th November 2025, following a successful debut last year.
Dame Judi Dench calls Harrogate Spring Water plans '‘environmental vandalism’

A decision on plans by Harrogate Spring Water to remove part of Rotary Wood for expansion has been delayed, following a meeting at Harrogate’s Civic Centre.
Theme park in Ripon listed for sale at £3 Million

Lightwater Valley, one of Yorkshire’s best-known family attractions, has been listed for sale with an asking price of £3 million.
Ripon Community Bonfire to return next week

Specsavers Ripon has been announced as the lead sponsor for this year’s Ripon Rowels Rotary Club Bonfire and Firework Display.
Harrogate festival shortlisted for 'Best Festival Newcomer' award

Love to be… Harrogate Festival has been shortlisted for the “Best Festival Newcomer” category at the 2025 Access All Areas Awards.
Do Not Drink Warning issued for parts of Harrogate after water quality tests

Residents in parts of the Harrogate district are being advised not to drink their tap water following test results showing the supply does not currently meet usual safety standards.
Police identify man who died after collision in Beckwithshaw

The police have revealed the identity of the man who died last Friday after a collision.
Local MP calls for children to be allowed to attend Great Yorkshire Show

Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has spoken in Parliament about adopting a more flexible approach to school term-time holidays.
Specsavers to support Halloween events in Ripon

Children in the local community are being invited to take part in a range of Halloween-themed activities at Specsavers Ripon this half term.
Ripon Rotary President, 83, soars down 60mph zipline for Yorkshire Air Ambulance

83-year-old great-grandmother Alys Allardyce, President of the Rotary Club of Ripon, has completed one of Europe’s fastest zip lines to raise funds for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
Harrogate running group supports women's campaign

Local community running group Early Bird Run Crew is inviting women to take part in its early morning 5km runs on Friday, 31st October, in support of the national campaign Let’s Lift The Curfew, led by This Girl Can.
Survey finds residents overwhelmingly reject Harrogate Spring Water expansion

A new independent community survey has revealed that 86% of Harrogate residents disagree or strongly disagree with the proposed Harrogate Spring Water bottling plant expansion.
Harrogate animal charity recieves huge donation from local business

A Harrogate animal charity has received a major boost after a local pet food company responded to its appeal for help.
Local sports coach launches free online sports courses for Harrogate children

Stuart Owen, a local sports coach, is offering free access to online sports courses for all primary school aged children in the Harrogate area through his social enterprise, Skillabus CIC.
Charity ball raises over £200,000 for children's hospice

Martin House hosted a Glitter Ball at Rudding Park to raise money for Martin House Children's Hospice.
Witnesses asked to come forward following fatal crash in Harrogate

Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal road traffic collision near Harrogate.