VAR has continued to cause controversy throughout the Premier League campaign, sparking debate and throwing up controversial decisions week after week this season. It has long been a bone of contention for fans, with a survey back in March claiming that 75 per cent of fans are opposed to the technology.
It is going nowhere anytime soon, but reports have emerged suggesting the Premier League has rejected the idea of widening the scope of VAR for next season. Following discussions with the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMOL), the league has turned down the chance to follow in the footsteps of the World Cup.
A regulation change back in February was approved by the International Football Association Board (Ifab), meaning that VAR officials will be permitted to rule on the award of corners and second yellow cards from next month. Referees are going to use these powers at the World Cup after a request from Fifa.
The new law is discretionary for each league, and the Premier League are set to make a final decision on it at their annual general meeting in June. However, following discussions with the referee body, they have been advised against extending the use of VAR.
According to reports, the PGMOL are concerned that using VAR on corners and bookings could lead to an increase in the length of matches. The body has said that may alienate the Premier League's broadcasters while also putting even more pressure on match officials.
A report in the Guardian has said clubs are concerned about any additional disruption, and they are not prepared to overrule the PGMOL's guidance and add to the VAR responsibilities. Elsewhere, Fifa have taken a different view on the issue. Chair of the referee committee Pierluigi Collina, and the president, Gianni Infantino, are said to have concerns that an incorrect corner decision could have a big influence on a World Cup game.
