Premier League clubs accept to use Video Assistant Referees

Video Assistant Referees (VAR) are set to be used in the Premier League next season, after clubs agreed in principle to their introduction.

VAR was used at the 2018 World Cup, is in operation in Italy and Germany's top divisions, and has been utilised in some FA Cup and Carabao Cup games but the Premier League has been carrying out “non-live” trials for it this season.

During the shareholders' meeting in London on Thursday, the English clubs were given an update about VAR.

“The non-live testing program 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," said the Premier League in a statement on Thursday.

The Premier League will now have to make a formal request to the International Football Association Board and Fifa over the use of Video Assistant Referees

The Premier League has been carrying out "non-live" trials this season.

VAR will also be in the UEFA Champions League starting  from next season.

The decision to accept the use of Video Assistant Referees comes on the heels of a backlash towards referee decisions in the Premier League and players this season.

On Saturday, Southampton's Charlie Austin called for a change after he was denied a goal for offside against Watford.

"We play in the Premier League, the best league in the world, the most-watched league in the world, give them all the help they need because clearly they cost us two points today. It's a joke,” he said.

Saints manager Mark Hughes added: "All the major sports have video reviews and for some reason the Premier League, which is watched all around the world, is still in the dark ages."

Source: internet