Daniel Farke's stance on VAR as Leeds United could be given vote on scrapping it next season

Leeds United could get a vote on kicking video assistant referees (VARs) out of English football next season.

If they follow the lead of their manager, Daniel Farke, though, they may oppose moves to scrap it after the German claimed his club would be in the Premier League by now were it not for refereeing mistakes.

As it is, they will have to get there via the play-offs to have their say on VAR.

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Wolverhampton Wanderers have proposed abolishing VAR in the Premier League next season. The top division is the only one in England to use the technology, although it will be utilised in the play-off finals (it is not in use for the semi-final) and is used haphazardly in cup competitions depending largely on whether it is already available at the host ground.

The proposal will be discussed at the Premier League's next annual general meeting, in Harrogate on June 6.

The Premier League has been using VAR for five seasons. The intention was to minimise the number of contentious decisions, but it has caused almost as many debates as it has resolved.

Wolves manager Gary O'Neil has been one of its most vocal critics. One of the VAR decisions he spoke out about led to the penalty which decided Sheffield United's first win of the season.

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“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," said Wolves, explaining their proposal.

CONTROVERSIAL: Chris Kavanagh consults the pitch-side monitor after a VAR (Video Assistant Referee) review before sending off Leeds United's Luke AylingCONTROVERSIAL: Chris Kavanagh consults the pitch-side monitor after a VAR (Video Assistant Referee) review before sending off Leeds United's Luke Ayling
CONTROVERSIAL: Chris Kavanagh consults the pitch-side monitor after a VAR (Video Assistant Referee) review before sending off Leeds United's Luke Ayling

“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.”

Fourteen of the 20 Premier League clubs would need to support the idea for it to be adopted.

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The Premier League responded: "the league fully supports the use of VAR and remains committed, alongside PGMOL (Professional Game Management Officials Limited, the body which organises referees, linesmen and women and VARs), to make continued improvements to the system for the benefit of the game and fans.”

Farke was asked about the non-use of VAR after Sunday's Championship play-off semi-final first leg at Carrow Road. The match ended 0-0 but Junior Firpo had a goal disallowed for a very marginal offside which would have been automatically double-checked by VAR.

Sky showed a picture which "proved" Georginio Rutter was offside before laying the ball back, but Farke saw one on a scouting field which showed he was on, and which the German claimed was more accurate. It is one of many problems of VAR that it does not have the accuracy to make calls as tight as it does due to the number of frames per second used.

Farke claimed to have 12 letters at home from the PGMOL apologising for incorrectly awarded or disallowed goals and penalties this season.

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"If I asked right now for VAR and we are that fortunate we go to Wembley I know it won't go in our favour," he said. "I believe in karma.

"(But) if we had used VAR this season we wouldn't be in the play-offs, we'd be automatically promoted.

"From that you can imagine what I think.

"If you don't have VAR you have to make sure the decisions of the ref are spot on."

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