The Athletic FC Podcast Inside the world of Premier League referees
Aug 10, 2025
Join James Linnington, a veteran Football League referee, Francis Bunce, a sports scientist, Peter Bankes, a Premier League referee on UEFA's VAR list, and Howard Webb, the Chief Refereeing Officer for PGMO. They dive into the intense pressures referees face, from public scrutiny to the demands of technology like VAR. They discuss the importance of mental health, the rigorous training necessary to officiate, and initiatives to improve player communication. Discover what it truly takes to maintain authority on the pitch and the behind-the-scenes life of these match officials.
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VAR Cuts Errors And Delays
- Howard Webb reports VAR errors fell from 31 to 18 and interventions hit a low last season.
- He highlights average VAR delays dropped to 39 seconds, improving match efficiency.
New VAR Career Pathway
- PGMO started a VAR Enhanced Training Programme in 2024 to build a dedicated VAR workforce.
- The initiative produced 53 Premier League VAR appointments last season to widen the pipeline.
Count The Eight For Goalkeepers
- Referees will count the final five of eight seconds with a raised hand to deter goalkeeper time-wasting.
- Peter Bankes expects pragmatic enforcement rather than automatic stoppages for every instance.