PGMOL to 'explore' making huge change to VAR that fans have been crying out for

The PGMOL are set to explore making what would be the most significant change to VAR since it was introduced to the Premier League.

VAR was brought into the top flight of English football since the 2019/20 season, to substantially mixed reviews among fans, players and managers.

Several changes have been made to the technology and the process behind it since then, including a looser restriction on referees going over to the monitor and the incorporation of new offside laws.

One major criticism from fans, particularly those attending the match in person, is that they cannot hear what is being said between the match officials as they deliberate over a decision using VAR.

But now, PGMOL are 'exploring' the introduction of a new system that would allow official communications to be heard by fans during matches, including why each decision is being made.

The announcement will be made by PGMOL chief Howard Webb on the 'Match Officials Mic'd Up' show, which will also show VAR audio from the three controversial decisions made during Everton's win over Nottingham Forest earlier this month.

But ahead of the show, reporter Rob Dorsett has explained to Sky Sports: "It's complicated because IFAB have never allowed live audio between match officials to be broadcast to the crowd. But PGMOL would like that to happen.

"Howard Webb says he thinks there is scope within the existing rules for referees when they're called to the screen to review a decision, to then explain if they are changing that decision, why they are changing it, to the crowd.

"By next season we might see, for the first time, match officials and the referee talking directly to people inside the stadium to explain their decisions.

"It was only [mentioned] in that very specific circumstance [the Everton vs Nottingham Forest controversy], but Howard Webb just dropped that into conversation and I think that's a big one going forward."