Emma Hayes repeats call for VAR to be introduced to the Women’s Super League

Emma Hayes repeats call for VAR to be introduced to the Women’s Super League

The Chelsea boss wants the technology in place for the start of next season

Chelsea boss Emma Hayes has reiterated her call for VAR to be introduced in the Women’s Super League, saying it would be a “major failure” if it has not happened by the start of next season.

The Blues’ 1-1 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last Sunday saw them fall behind to a Kim Little penalty which was awarded following a challenge by Niamh Charles on Caitlin Foord that began outside the box.

Hayes said after the match that “VAR needs to be in the game, whether it’s to confirm it or deny it”.

And when asked about that at her press conference on Friday ahead of Sunday’s home clash with Liverpool, she said: “100 per cent (VAR needs to be introduced in the WSL) but I’ve been saying this for a long time. The investment’s there, the women’s game deserves it.

“I haven’t heard anything but I think it would be a major failure if it wasn’t in place for the beginning of next season. I hope (it will be).”

She added: “As I’ve said before, there’s so many times very quick players in the league are faster than the people on the sidelines, the linespeople.

“It’s important from not just the perspective of a penalty or a goalscoring situation, but even things like offside – we have to support our officials to train with the same intensity and hard work that all the players and coaches have to do.

“We’re setting them up to fail if we don’t support them, to have a larger pool, that are more full-time, gaining more experience – plus having VAR to help them, much in the same way that takes place across the men’s game.”

The PA news agency has approached the Football Association for comment.

Published: by Radio NewsHub
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