Premier League Referees to Explain VAR Decisions to Fans

Howard Webb, the chief refereeing officer, has hinted at a potential change that could see Premier League referees explaining their VAR decisions to stadium crowds and TV audiences.

This move, if approved by the Premier League, would provide greater transparency regarding decisions that have been overturned after a referee reviews incidents on the pitch-side monitor.

"One of the things you’ll have seen maybe in FIFA tournaments, like the Women’s World Cup, is announcements from the referee once they’ve been to the screen. So we’re looking at that," Webb said while speaking on Match Officials Mic’d Up on Tuesday. 

"We’re keeping an open mind about whether that’s something we could utilize in the Premier League," he added. 

The proposed change, which is currently under consideration, would not extend to VAR checks that do not result in on-field decisions being overturned.

However, for instances where the referee has consulted the monitor and subsequently changed their decision, they would have the opportunity to explain their rationale to fans.

"It would be really useful for the referee to be able to speak to all of the people in the stadium — [to explain] the rationale," Webb added.

Webb referenced similar practices seen in FIFA tournaments, such as the Women's World Cup, where referees make announcements to the crowd after visiting the VAR screen.

Speaking on Match Officials Mic'd Up, Webb highlighted the potential benefits of this approach, emphasizing the importance of providing clarity to both stadium spectators and television viewers.

While the change is still subject to approval by the Premier League, it is likely to be introduced in the upcoming season.

This move aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and communication in officiating decisions, ultimately aiming to improve the matchday experience for fans across the league.