The Premier League is strengthening transparency around refereeing for the 2026-27 season. Three new measures will allow the public to better understand decisions made by referees and video assistants, according to BBC Sport.
KMI Panel decisions made public
The main new development concerns the Key Match Incidents (KMI) Panel. For the first time since its creation, its full rulings on major refereeing and VAR decisions will be made public. The panel reviews major incidents each week, including goals, penalties and red cards.
Created by the clubs in 2022, the KMI Panel has five members, including three former players or managers, as well as representatives from the Premier League and the refereeing body. It first assesses the decision made on the pitch, then the VAR decision according to the 'clear and obvious' threshold. A simple majority then determines the panel's conclusion.
Until now, these assessments remained confidential. Their publication should now allow supporters, media and clubs to better understand controversial decisions.
Explanations and audio
The Premier League will also publish direct quotes from referees and VAR officials to explain certain decisions. These will be shared via the Match Centre, the official website, the app and the Premier League's social media channels.
The RefCam system will also be extended to include audio of exchanges between referees and players. These clips could be offered for one or two matches per matchday, but not live and without including communications with the VAR.
IFAB maintains its limits
The Premier League continues discussions with IFAB to secure further transparency. But exchanges between the referee and the VAR remain excluded from any live broadcast.
The revolution will therefore be gradual: more explanations and decisions made public, but still no live VAR for viewers.
Comments
By posting, you agree to our privacy policy.