VAR Changes In Premier League: Offside & Penalties

There have been some notable VAR alterations and rule changes that will take effect in 2021-22 during the new Premier League season.

Following criticism of the system last season, the Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL) is implementing changes that would ideally result in fewer goals being disallowed due to minor offside calls.

These changes that will be made to the VAR system will benefit the attacking team, there are also modifications to the penalty interpretation.

The following NEW RULES has been put in place as we all look forward to the Premier League’s new season.

Offside Rule

On marginal offside, we’ve now effectively re-introduced the benefit of the doubt to the attacking player

Explanation: VAR will use the same approach as last season with the one-pixel lines where there’s a tight offside judgment; we’ll then use the thicker broadcast lines where they overlap, and such instances will now be considered onside.

Penalty Rule

When it comes to awarding penalties for tangling within the area, minimum contact will no longer be sufficient.

Explanation: The referee will search for and establish clear contact, then inquire if that contact has a consequence, and finally, has the player utilized that contact to try to win a foul or a penalty, according to the criteria set.