Howard Webb has confirmed the Premier League is exploring the introduction of in-stadium announcements to explain video assistant referee (VAR) decisions.
The idea was discussed at April’s Premier League shareholders’ meeting, where the introduction of semi-automated offsides was approved.
In-stadium announcements from referees was used at the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand — the first time it had been implemented at a senior World Cup, having already been utilised at the FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco and the Under-20 World Cup in Argentina.
England’s officiating body, the Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL), are keen to introduce the measure and chief operating officer Webb confirmed this intention to improve communication for match-going supporters.
Speaking on Premier League production ‘Match Officials Mic’d Up’, Webb said: “It (the in-stadium experience) does need improving, doesn’t it? When you hear the clips on shows like this it makes sense what’s happening.”
Referencing the process behind referee Andy Madley’s decision to not award a penalty to Brighton during April’s Premier League fixture at Brentford as Lewis Dunk and Yoane Wissa tussled in the box, Webb continued: “It all becomes apparent and…
 decisions. The idea was discussed at April’s Premier League shareholders’ meeting, where the introduction of semi-automated offsides was approved. In-stadium announcements from referees was used at the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand — the first time it had been implemented at a senior World Cup, having already been utilised at the FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco and the Under-20 World Cup in Argentina.){kind=link}