Premier League Considers VAR Transparency: Referees to Explain Decisions to Fans

The Premier League referees may soon be able to explain VAR decisions to fans during matches, potentially enhancing transparency between officials and spectators. Howard Webb the chief of PGMOL aims to improve trust in top-flight referees by implementing this initiative.

The proposal inspired by successful trials in Mexico and Portugal involves mic’d up referees communicating basic reasoning behind decisions over the PA system. Despite criticism of previous implementations in tournaments like the Women’s World Cup, the new protocol aims to reduce confusion and frustration among fans attending matches.

However, there are no immediate plans to adopt rugby’s open dialogue system where fans can listen to referee conversations in real-time. Nonetheless, there is hope that broadcasters may utilize audio footage post-game to provide further insight into officiating decisions.