Arsenal are among the Premier League clubs that will vote to keep VAR at next week’s AGM, according to a report.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Referee Paul Tierney checks with VAR during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Everton FC at Stamford Bridge on April 15, 2024. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Referee Paul Tierney checks with VAR during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Everton FC at Stamford Bridge on April 15, 2024. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Ben Jacobs reports for GiveMeSport that Wolves’ motion to scrap VAR won’t pass at the Premier League AGM next Thursday, June 6th.

If such a motion is to pass, it requires 14 of the 20 clubs to vote in favour, and there are already at least eight clubs against the idea.

Jacobs claims Arsenal are one of them, and they’re joined by Chelsea, Liverpool, Brighton and Hove Albion, Crystal Palace, Newcastle United, and West Ham United. Promoted side Ipswich Town are also not expected to back the motion.

Wolves are clearly in favour of getting rid of VAR, and Nottingham Forest and Everton are reportedly undecided. From the rest of the group, it’s expected there may be a handful of abstentions.

arsenal fc v tottenham hotspur premier league 4
LONDON, ENGLAND: Referee Robert Jones checks the VAR screen for a handball by Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur (not pictured) during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on September 24, 2023. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

With so many clubs against the idea of removing VAR, and no one firmly in support of Wolves, it seems pretty clear the system will remain in place for next season.

Though there is a suggestion that many clubs welcome the vote as a chance to push for VAR changes, and to hold a serious discussion on its future.

One of the proposed changes is the introduction of in-stadium VAR communication, and the Daily Mail recently reported that the league will support that alteration.

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND: Referee Stuart Attwell checks the VAR screen for a red card for Mason Holgate of Sheffield United (not pictured), which was later given during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Bramall Lane on February 18, 2024. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND: Referee Stuart Attwell checks the VAR screen for a red card for Mason Holgate of Sheffield United (not pictured), which was later given during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Bramall Lane on February 18, 2024. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

On top of that, some clubs are privately considering a push to appoint top foreign referees to Premier League games.

Similar proposals have previously been shot down by the Premier League and PGMOL, but at least three clubs now believe it would provide a positive step forward.

That raises the possibility that it could be discussed at the June AGM, potentially garnering more support.