Premier League to introduce VAR for start of 2019/20 season

The Premier League's 20 clubs came to an agreement in principle at a Shareholders' Meeting today

The Premier League will introduce VAR (Video Assistant Referees) for the start of the 2019/20 season after the league's 20 clubs came to an agreement in principle at a Shareholders' Meeting today.

Video refereeing has already been introduced in the likes of La Liga and has been trialled in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup this season as officials attempt to develop the best method of reviewing decisions.

The vote will now be subjected to approval from football lawmakers.

In a statement on their official website, the Premier League stated: "Premier League clubs have agreed in principle to introduce Video Assistant Referees (VAR) to the competition in the 2019/20 season.

"At a Shareholders’ Meeting today, clubs were provided with an update on the non-live VAR trials being undertaken by the League and Professional Game Match Officials (PGMOL) this season.

"Key learnings from VAR's use in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, and other leagues across the world, were discussed in detail.

"The Premier League’s non-live testing programme will remain in place for the rest of this season, with a continued emphasis on those Saturday afternoons which have several matches being played concurrently, and developing a clear protocol for communicating VAR decisions to fans.

"The League will now formally make a request to the International Football Association Board and FIFA to use VAR next season."

The decision comes after Southampton's controversial draw with Watford last weekend when Saints striker Charlie Austin insisted on VAR's introduction after his goal was incorrectly disallowed.

Premier League clubs had voted unanimously against bringing in VAR last season as they wanted another campaign to test the system further and ascertain what would be the most efficient and fan-friendly way to implement it.