The Premier League is expected to decline extending the scope of VAR for the upcoming season following discussions with the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO). In February, the International Football Association Board (Ifab) approved a rule change allowing video assistant referees to review corner kick awards and second yellow cards starting next month, with Fifa requesting its use at the World Cup. However, Ifab made the new regulation optional, leaving leagues and competitions free to decide whether to adopt it. The Premier League clubs will vote on the matter at their annual general meeting next month, but PGMO has advised against expanding VAR’s responsibilities.
West Ham plans to file a complaint with referee chiefs over the disallowed goal against Arsenal. PGMO fears that using VAR for corners and bookings could significantly lengthen match times, potentially alienating broadcast partners and increasing pressure on officials. Clubs also show little interest in overriding PGMO’s guidance, given the potential for further disruption. In contrast, Fifa’s referee committee chair Pierluigi Collina and president Gianni Infantino are concerned that an incorrect corner decision could heavily influence a World Cup match, especially in knockout stages, and the introduction of hydration breaks reduces the impact of longer games.
While a single corner is less likely to decide the outcome of a 38-match Premier League season, the recent decision by Chris Kavanagh to disallow Callum Wilson’s injury-time equalizer for West Ham against Arsenal—after consulting VAR Darren England—could affect the title race and relegation battle. PGMO’s chief refereeing officer Howard Webb is expected to address that decision on Sky Sports’ Match Officials Mic’d Up on Tuesday, defending the call as correct and procedurally sound. West Ham intends to lodge a complaint over the free-kick awarded against Pablo for contact with Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, though the club acknowledges the effort may be futile.
Ifab will discuss the issue of grappling at corners, which has been prominent in the Premier League this season, after the World Cup, but no proposals have been made yet on how to address it.