
<p>The audio between on-field referees and VAR officials in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> is now available. As the officials deliberate potential penalties and red cards, they discuss the minute details of what may or may not be an infraction.</p>



<p>Match Officials Mic’d Up is a Premier League show that goes into these conversations. PGMOL Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb breaks down how the show goes into the five different voices heard in the refereeing decisions. There is the central referee, assistant referees, video assistant referees (VAR), assistant VAR and replay operator. </p>



<p>The first edition of fans being able to listen to these referees in action came in response to a recent incident. In the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/arsenal-grab-vital-win-over-newcastle-to-keep-title-hopes-alive-20230507-WST-431968.html">Arsenal game at Newcastle</a> on May 7, Jakub Kiwior interfered with a Bruno Guimarães&nbsp;shot. Originally, the center referee blew the whistle for a penalty. Here is how the Premier League VAR audio sounded in response to that call.</p>



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<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Match Officials Mic&apos;d Up: Behind the scenes of the Premier League&apos;s VAR process | NBC Sports" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SA0xhMZeDRk?start=148&amp;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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<p>As heard in that debate, the ball did not hit Kiwior’s arm. That helped Arsenal preserve a clean sheet that propelled the Gunners to a 2-0 win.</p>



<h2>Premier League VAR audio could become more consistent</h2>



<p>In addition to breaking down the audio from select Premier League games, Webb made comments that could point toward a clear and transparent future with VAR audio and decisions.</p>



<p>“We are looking to do this as much as we possibly can,” <a href="https://theathletic.com/4521799/2023/05/15/howard-webb-var-audio-referees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Webb said</a>. “We have made small steps forward. Going forward into next season, we will be looking to do more.”</p>



<p>Under FIFA laws, this audio cannot be played during the game. In other sports, such as the NFL or more recently the XFL, these referee decisions are more vocal and clear. Regardless, this access to audio provides more transparency. Consequently, fans of the Premier League have more trust in the officials when they have a full explanation. After all, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/premier-league-referees-to-meet-after-weekend-of-var-mistakes-20230213-WST-419626.html">VAR controversies have been rampant</a> this season.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / PA Images</em></p>


Fans of the Premier League can now get an in-depth look at the referees during their VAR calls and the audio as they discuss potential

Now available: Hear audio of Premier League refs on VAR calls

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<p>Not long ago, World Soccer Talk brought up <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/06/18/as-soccer-evolves-so-must-the-rules-5-changes-to-consider/">five potential rule changes</a> to soccer. By no means are these proposed by FIFA or any domestic league. In fact, those leagues look fairly set in stone.</p>
<p>However, every now and then, rumors start to stir up over how the governing bodies could modify the rule book. Small things like cooling breaks are one thing. Yet, instances of reducing the length of games to deciding major fixtures with golden goal appear to be just one step away.</p>
<p>This is not to say all changes are bad. In fact, there is an argument to be made that adding the number of substitutions in the games makes them more exciting. As seen in the English Premier League, teams now have access to <a href="https:\/\/www.espn.com/soccer/english-premier-league/story/4630827/premier-league-clubs-to-reintroduce-five-substitutes-rule-from-next-season" target="_blank" rel="noopener">five substitutions</a> as opposed to the three from previous years. This allows players to be at full fitness, hypothetically making games more even and balanced. It also lessens the likely for injury, which continues to be a problem in the sport.</p>
<p>Then, there is something like VAR. Everyone loves to hate Video Assistant Referees because they are beyond picky when it comes to calls. Could this be changed in some way? Totally removed? Everyone has a take in that regard.</p>
<h3>Rule changes in soccer</h3>
<p>We want to know if you would change anything about the current rule set of soccer in the world. There are often small differences for each league. Yet, your favorite league may only allow three substitutions, for example.</p>
<p>What are the biggest changes, or smallest changes, for that matter, that you would make to soccer? Or, perhaps you think the game, as it is right now, is perfect. Hard to argue with how exciting games can be. Refereeing issues and controversy may just be part of it!</p>
<p>Use the comment section below to let us know.</p>
<p><em>PHOTO: Patrick Goosen/Orange Pictures/BSR Agency/Getty Images</em></p>


Everybody thinks new is better. Is this always the case? What rule changes do you think should come to soccer, if any?

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Leagues: EPL

Now available: Hear audio of Premier League refs on VAR calls

rules

What rule changes would you like to see in the world of soccer?