PGMOL make important VAR announcement ahead of new Premier League season

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) have announced the appointment of a new VAR (Video Assistant Referee) performance coach ahead of the new Premier League season.

VAR was introduced to the Premier League right at the start of the 2019/2020 season, but it has been the subject of discussion ever since, due to so many high-profile decisions. Last summer, clubs took part in a vote on whether to scrap the system.

Sides voted 19-1 in favour of keeping the system. For the technology to be scrapped, 14 of the 20 clubs needed to vote in favour of doing so - with only Wolverhampton Wanderers voting that way.

VAR will be in use for the upcoming season, which gets underwat in just under two weeks time. Ahead of the first game, the PGMOL have announced Kevin Blom as the new VAR performance coach.

In a statement, the much-talked-about organisation wrote: "Kevin brings extensive international refereeing experience - having officiated at the highest levels in the Netherlands, as a FIFA referee and a VMO in major tournaments including UEFA competitions and EURO 2020.

"He has also, previously, served as VAR manager at the Royal Belgian Football Association, where he led significant advancements in VAR implementation.

"We look forward to the expertise and insight Kevin will contribute, as we continue to strengthen our VAR training and performance programmes."

There has been reports earlier this summer that the International FA Board (Ifab) were considering the powers that VAR has, to potentially include decisions over corners and second yellow cards. Currently, VAR can only rule on four categories; Goals, penalties, direct red cards and mistaken identity.

But, speaking with BBC Sport earlier this month, FA chief executive Mark Bullingham was against that idea. "We don't think there's any need to extend the use of VAR," he said. "There are regular discussions in Ifab about what VAR should be, and how it should move forward.

"I think our position is that we're in a good place now. Of course, if someone brings an item forward for Ifab to consider then, as a group, we'll consider it.

"But, as a group, we don't necessarily think VAR needs to be extended at the moment."

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