Prevent Thin Offside Decisions, Premier League Next Season Use Thicker VAR Lines

JAKARTA - The Premier League will use a "thicker line" when using video assistant referees (VAR) next season to eliminate thin offside decisions, reports The Times.

The decision, taken at Thursday's Premier League shareholders' meeting, comes amid the frustration of managers, players and fans with many goals being canceled for offside due to a player's toe or armpit.

In November, Leeds United's Patrick Bamford said VAR was "ruining football" after his goal was canceled out in their 4-1 defeat at Crystal Palace.

At that time, Bamford's arm was deemed to be in an offside position when he pointed to where he wanted to play.

A thicker line will provide a greater margin of error for offside statements and also return the advantage of the attacking team's doubts.

The system, which was approved by the International Football Association Board, which regulates football, is already in use in the Dutch league.