Premier League to publish referee, VAR explanations after matches

The English Premier League is enhancing transparency for the 2026/27 season by publishing more detailed explanations of referee and VAR decisions. Supporters will gain access to direct officials' wording, selected Ref Cam audio, and weekly assessments of key calls through the league's digital platforms.

The Premier League and the professional referees' body, Pro Ref, stated that these expanded communications are designed to offer fans more insight into the decision-making process during matches. The Premier League Match Centre will feature direct quotes from on-field referees and VARs in specific incidents where the language can clarify the rationale. This may include the referee's initial call and the VAR's reasoning for intervention or non-intervention.

"This season, communications from Premier League Match Centre will include direct quotes from the on-field officials and from VAR, in selected incidents where this can be helpful to clarify the rationale behind a decision," the Premier League announced Tuesday. "This can include the 'referee’s call' as described on-field, and the VAR’s direct explanation for why they do not intervene or why they recommended an on-field review."

These explanations will be published on the Premier League Match Centre's X account and a dedicated section of the Premier League website and app. Additionally, Ref Cam footage, offering a referee's perspective, will now include audio clips for selected incidents in approximately one or two games per match round. The league also confirmed that findings from its Key Match Incident (KMI) Panel, which reviews significant decisions, will be published weekly starting this season.

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This season, communications from Premier League Match Centre will include direct quotes from the on-field officials and from VAR, in selected incidents where this can be helpful to clarify the rationale behind a decision. This can include the “referee’s call” as described on-field, and the VAR’s direct explanation for why they do not intervene or why they recommended an on-field review.