EPL

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Premier League referees will begin explaining Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decisions directly to fans inside stadiums during the upcoming season. 

This innovative step has received the green light from the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the governing body responsible for football laws. 

Reports from Mail Sport indicate that the IFAB has granted approval based on successful trials where officials provided explanations during league fixtures in Mexico and Portugal.

Formal confirmation of this initiative is expected before the IFAB’s Annual General Meeting scheduled for March. 

The decision reflects a commitment to addressing the desire for clearer communication between referees and fans, particularly during contentious VAR decisions.

Premier League Referees’ Chief, Howard Webb, a staunch advocate for increased transparency since joining Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in 2022, has welcomed this move. 

Webb, renowned for his refereeing expertise, supports the idea of officials being able to directly communicate decisions to fans within the stadiums.

This adjustment aligns with the global effort to enhance the understanding and engagement of football officials.

Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo has today agreed to move to his former EPL club, Manchester United, after being in Juventus since 2018.

This is contained in an official statement released by the EPL giant on their website.

The statement reads: “Manchester United is delighted to confirm that the club has reached [an] agreement with Juventus for the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo, subject to agreement of personal terms, visa and medical.

“Cristiano, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, has so far won over 30 major trophies during his career, including five UEFA Champions League titles, four FIFA Club World Cups, seven league titles in England, Spain and Italy, and the European Championship for his native Portugal.

“In his first spell for Manchester United, he scored 118 goals in 292 games.

“Everyone at the club looks forward to welcoming Cristiano back to Manchester.”