NEW VAR RULE: Premier League VAR changes that will affect Manchester City in wake of Liverpool controversy

Following the disputed disallowed Liverpool goal at Tottenham, the Premier League is likely to undertake three significant modifications to the VAR process.

The Merseysiders had a Luis Diaz effort unjustly ruled out as VAR officials Darren England and Dan Cook wrongfully declared check complete to stand with the on-field ruling of offside, despite replays indicating the Liverpool forward was clearly in an onside position. The colossal blunder has sparked outrage from fans and experts alike, with Anfield manager Jurgen Klopp saying on Thursday that the game should be replayed.

The chaotic audio, supplied by PGMOL, raised additional worries about the decision-making process at Stockley Park. As a result of the aftermath, the Premier League has changed the VAR process, which will affect all top-flight clubs, including Manchester United and Manchester City.

“Having reviewed all relevant footage of the disallowed Luis Diaz goal during the Tottenham Hotspur FC versus Liverpool FC match on Saturday, as well as PGMOL’s report into the incident, it is clear that there were not only human errors but systemic weaknesses in the VAR process,” a Premier League spokesperson said. We embrace PGMOL’s quick suggestions to guarantee that such failures do not occur again.

“However, a wider review to seek consistently higher standards of VAR performance will be conducted by the Premier League and PGMOL, supported by other stakeholders, and where necessary further recommended actions will be brought forward and implemented.”

The modifications will include an additional layer of verification to guarantee that the VAR official consults with his assistant before sending any decision to the on-field referee. In addition, rather than referees exchanging duties, a new cohort of specialized VAR specialists will be developed, while a review of officials refereeing games outside of UEFA and FIFA assignments will take place.

This comes after England and Cook were granted permission to oversee a match in the United Arab Emirates last Thursday, prompting accusations that they were mentally exhausted for the Premier League encounter on Saturday.