Manchester United to vote on major Premier League change next month after statement released

Manchester United will be invited to vote on the removal of Video Assistant Referees (VAR) at the Premier League's annual general meeting (AGM) next month.

It comes after domestic rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers formally submitted a resolution to the Premier League to trigger a vote on the matter. The proposal would come into immediate affect, with a call to scrap the technology for the 2024/25 season.

It is understood the Premier League will oppose any attempts to get rid of VAR after just five seasons, and will point towards the fact that correct decisions have increased from 82% to 96% since it has been implemented. The Premier League will instead try to turn the focus on how to improve the current system, make even more correct decisions and speed up the process.

An open letter released by Wolves on Wednesday evening read: "Wolves have formally submitted a resolution to the Premier League to trigger a vote at the league's AGM in June, on the removal of VAR from the start of the 2024/25 season.

"The introduction of VAR in 2019/20 was a decision made in good faith and with the best interests of football and the Premier League at its heart. However, it has led to numerous unintended negative consequences that are damaging the relationship between fans and football, and undermining the value of the Premier League brand, which include: Impact on goal celebrations and the spontaneous passion that makes football special. Frustration and confusion inside stadiums due to lengthy VAR checks and poor communication. A more hostile atmosphere with protests, booing of the Premier League anthem and chants against VAR. Overreach of VAR's original purpose to correct clear and obvious mistakes, now overanalysing subjective decisions and compromising the game's fluidity and integrity. Diminished accountability of on-field officials, due to safety net of VAR, leading to an erosion of authority on the pitch. Continued errors despite VAR, with supporters unable to accept human error after multiple views and replays, damaging confidence in officiating standards. Disruption of the Premier League's fast pace with lengthy VAR checks and more added time, causing matches to run excessively long. Constant discourse about VAR decisions often overshadowing the match itself, and tarnishing the reputation of the league. Erosion of trust and reputation, with VAR fuelling completely nonsensical allegations of corruption.

"The decision to table the resolution has come after careful consideration and with the utmost respect for the Premier League, PGMOL and our fellow competitors. There is no blame to be placed - we are all just looking for the best possible outcome for football - and all stakeholders have been working hard to try and make the introduction of additional technology a success.

"However, after five seasons of VAR in the Premier League it is time for a constructive and critical debate on its future. Our position is that the price we are paying for a small increase in accuracy is at odds with the spirit of our game, and as a result we should remove it from the 2024/25 season onwards."