Premier League fans will receive ‘near-live’ explanations for refereeing decisions this season. A new social media account has been created to post live from VAR’s Stockley Park hub, helping fans to understand why decisions have been made.
PGMOL chief Howard Webb has made improving transparency a key aim of his leadership. Last season, the former Premier League and World Cup official featured on a new monthly programme designed to explain key decisions during top-flight matches.
Mic'd Up saw Webb provide previously-unreleased audio of live conversations between VAR and on-field match officials. The programme proved hugely popular and is expected to continue this season.
However, some supporters still harbour concerns that not all decisions are explained. In a bid to combat this complaint, a new X account will provide near-live updates from all matches and will be used to communicate the reasons behind refereeing decisions.
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A post on X account @PLMatchCentre read: “Welcome to the Premier League Match Centre X account. This page will provide live updates from Stockley Park including information directly from the VAR Hub. We will issue near-live updates on operational matters from all matches – including clarification on refereeing and VAR.
“Refereeing and VAR clarifications will be based on the factual information from the VAR Hub and the Premier League Match Centre. Where necessary, additional information on Laws of the Game and VAR process from PGMOL experts will be communicated.”
The new account will be good news for fans who want to see key decisions relating to their team’s matches justified. However, match-going supporters will argue that little is being done to make decisions clearer to those inside stadiums.
It is understood that the Premier League discussed the idea of broadcasting explanations of VAR decisions to fans inside stadiums at their shareholders' meeting in April. Webb has also said that top-flight referees could soon announce the reasons behind their decisions to fans inside the stadium and those watching television broadcasts.
Welcome to the Premier League Match Centre X account. This page will provide live updates from Stockley Park including information directly from the VAR Hub. We will issue near-live updates on operational matters from all matches – including clarification on refereeing and VAR.
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) August 13, 2024
However, Express Sport understands these ideas have faced resistance from the International Football Association Board (IFAB).
Meanwhile, the PGMOL will this season launch a scheme to develop a dozen former players as referees. Over 100 applicants - both current and former players - are understood to have expressed an interest in completing a fast-tracked, three-year programme.
The PGMOL will select 10-12 ex-players to take part in the scheme, which will see them become fully qualified officials and potentially oversee matches at the highest level.
