Huge change on horizon for Premier League as current VAR system could be ‘SCRAPPED’
THE PREMIER LEAGUE is reportedly considering SCRAPPING its current VAR system.
That’s by ditching operator Hawk-Eye when their contract expires in 2025.
The tech company is regarded as the industry leader in capturing data.
Hawk-Eye has been working with the English top-flight since 2013 after providing goal-line technology.
The group first honed its craft in the worlds of tennis and cricket.
And the Premier League agreed a new long-term contract with Hawk-Eye when VAR was introduced from the 2019/20 campaign, running until the end of 2024/25.
However, amid recent VAR controversies, top-flight chiefs are now considering changing company at the end of the deal.
The Mail claims there are fears that Hawk-Eye’s tech does not apply as smoothly to football as it does to other sports.
It’s now reckoned that rival tech companies are preparing pitches to take the next VAR contract.
And they will be focused on attempting to smooth out problems encountered by Hawk-Eye so far.
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There have been several high-profile blunders this season already.
Liverpool were left incensed when VAR did not allow Luis Diaz’s legal goal to stand in their defeat against Tottenham.
And Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta declared war on officials after seeing his side’s unbeaten run end at Newcastle.
He claims the ball went out of play before Anthony Gordon fired in the winner for Toon.
Fans are also concerned with the length of time it takes to check for decisions.
Chelsea’s win against Spurs was constantly interrupted by lengthy replays as several goals were chalked off for each side.
But VAR controversially missed dishing out two red cards for Tottenham, with Cristian Romero’s kick and Destiny Udogie’s two-footed lunge going unpunished.
Both men were eventually sent off in the heated derby, but many feel they should each have left the pitch long before.