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Premier League clubs vote against using VAR next season

Referee Craig Pawson looks at the pitch-side screen after speaking to the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) before giving Liverpool a penalty
Image: VAR will not be used in the Premier League next season

VAR will not be introduced to the Premier League next season after the clubs agreed on Friday that more testing is required.

The decision was made at a Premier League shareholders meeting in London, when all 20 member clubs voted.

In a statement, the Premier League said: "Premier League clubs have today agreed to continue advanced testing of Video Assistant Referees (VAR) throughout Season 2018/19.

"The decision came after comprehensive discussions regarding the progress made in VAR trials in English football, and key learnings from the many competitions using it elsewhere.

"The clubs recognised and are grateful for the substantial developments made by PGMOL Managing Director Mike Riley and his team.

Referee Daniele Doveri (C) checks the VAR (video assistant referee) during the Italian Serie A football match Juventus vs Fiorentina on September 20, 2017
Image: VAR is in use elsewhere and will feature at the World Cup in Russia

"The clubs agreed that advanced testing will continue to the end of Season 2018/19 to make further improvements to the system, especially around communication inside the stadium and for those following at home and around the world.

"The Premier League will also be asking for VAR to be used more extensively in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup in Season 2018/19."

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The VAR system has been used in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup this season, but the live trials have been surrounded by controversy, mainly over a lack of communication in the decision-making process for fans in the stadium.

A video assistant referee will sit in the centre, flanked by an assistant official and a video replay operator at the Premier League Match Centre.
Image: A video assistant referee will sit in the Premier League Match Centre, flanked by an assistant official and a video replay operator

Supporters have been left bewildered while games have been stopped for long periods of time while decisions were being made.

The announcement comes a day after UEFA confirmed they would not be fast-tracking the system in either the Champions League or the Europa League next season.

VAR is already being used in some leagues, including the Bundesliga, and will be at the World Cup in Russia this summer.

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