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May 9th , 2025

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PREMIER LEAGUE SET TO CHANGE VAR

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Sports

A year ago

The Premier League is considering replacing Hawkeye as VAR operator following an increase in complaints from managers.

The system has been heavily criticized by manager Mikel Arteta in recent weeks, particularly after Arsenal's defeat to Newcastle. There was a further error in Wolves' defeat to Sheffield United when referee Howard Webb reacted by punching Gary O'Neill.

The ruling handed down on Thursday said the decision to award Newcastle's winning goal against the Gunners was correct, but changes are planned. The most significant changes are expected to affect operators of cameras providing VAR replays.


According to the Daily Mail, the Hawkeyes' contract with the Premier League expires at the end of next season. At this point, league leaders could consider moving away from the company that has operated the system since VAR's inception.

Rival technology and data companies reportedly plan to bid for new contracts once their current contracts expire. Hawkeye also operates a goal line technology system that has proven to be highly successful, apart from Sheffield United's infamous 'ghost goal' at Aston Villa during Project Restart.

The current contract with the Premier League was concluded when VAR was introduced at the start of the 2019/2020 season. They are considered world leaders in similar VAR systems for cricket and tennis, but it is "accepted" that the transition to football will be difficult.

News of possible change is likely to be welcomed by Arteta, who has been increasingly critical this week. He went on an angry rant after Saturday's game at St James's Park, and Arsenal themselves issued a club statement the following day.


                                                The Premier League is considering replacing Hawkeye as VAR operator

Arteta followed up on those comments by speaking at length about the problems with VAR ahead of Arsenal's Champions League win over Sevilla earlier this week. "It's my duty to stand in front of you, stand in front of the camera, and give you a very clear and honest assessment of what's going on in the game."

"That's what I did, was very open about how I thought about the team's play and how the results and decisions made affected their play." he said.

"Sometimes it doesn't happen overnight. The reason it was so obvious and I had all the evidence of the words I used in the media was because I cared deeply about those words. Until they became true. , I would do that and the club would do it again and again.




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