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PGMOL chief Howard Webb proposes stunning VAR change days before Premier League season

Home> Football> Football News

Updated 20:47 13 Aug 2025 GMT+1Published 20:43 13 Aug 2025 GMT+1

PGMOL chief Howard Webb proposes stunning VAR change days before Premier League season

Webb made the claim just days before the Premier League opener between Liverpool and Bournemouth.

Luke Davies

Luke Davies

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Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) chief refereeing officer Howard Webb has revealed that changes to VAR are being 'discussed' by the football law-makers.

VAR was first introduced to the Premier League at the start of the 2019-20 campaign and has been used ever since.

Currently, the technology is permitted to interfere with decisions which are regarded as ‘match-changing’.

According to the International Football Association Board (IFAB), VAR should only interfere with play if a decision is deemed a ‘clear and obvious error’ and is related to a penalty, direct red card, goal/no goal or a case of mistaken identity.

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Also, the “referee must always make a decision, i.e. the referee is not permitted to give ‘no decision’ and then use the VAR to make the decision; a decision to allow play to continue after an alleged offence can be reviewed”.

The 2025/26 Premier League begins on Friday (Credit:Getty)
The 2025/26 Premier League begins on Friday (Credit:Getty)

But how VAR is used could soon change, according to Webb.

In an interview with BBC Sport, the former Premier League and FIFA international referee explained that IFAB is reviewing how VAR operates and he is “open to discussion” regarding possible changes.

"There will definitely be discussions around possible extensions," Webb said.

"We try to align VAR delivery with the expectations of those involved in the English game, based on consultation with fans, coaches and players. The message we get is 'less is more' with VAR, and we've done pretty well in aligning our delivery with that expectation.”

Howard Webb is PGMOL chief (Credit:Getty)
Howard Webb is PGMOL chief (Credit:Getty)

The 54-year-old then focused on VAR not currently interfering with yellow card calls that are incorrect or missed opportunities for a yellow card, which should rightfully be brandished, as well as the awarding of corners.

"I understand the impact of a wrongly awarded corner that's clearly wrong - easy to see on video - and the impact of a wrongly issued yellow card,” he added.

“But equally, there's also a feeling that VAR already exists to rectify clear errors in big situations, so we'll have those discussions and make sure to consult with the English game as well."

This comes after the ‘eight-second rule’ was approved for use ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Goalkeepers will now have just eight seconds to release the ball, with referees issuing a visible five-second countdown to warn players.

If a ‘keeper takes longer than the permitted eight seconds, a corner will be awarded to the attacking team.

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: VAR, Premier League, Football, PGMOL

Luke Davies
Luke Davies

Journalist with expertise covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA.

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