With a proposal in 2018, the Premier League started their rocky marriage to VAR. Initially met with optimism following its successful roll-out at the World Cup in Russia, the Premier League’s 20 clubs went from skepticism to unanimous backing for VAR to be introduced for the 2019-20 season. England’s top flight had been the last of Europe’s big five leagues to adopt VAR, initially rejecting its use in April 2018 due to concerns over decision communication. Its implementation aimed to increase accuracy in officiating, but the ensuing seasons have highlighted its benefits and significant drawbacks.

• Controversies and Criticisms Heighten as VAR’s Future Hangs in the Balance

The 2023-24 campaign has witnessed numerous contentious incidents involving VAR, sparking heightened criticism and leading some teams and fans to question the integrity of the Premier League.

The potential impact on soccer betting, especially soccer parlay bets, has also been a discussion among betting enthusiasts, as VAR decisions can significantly alter match outcomes and thereby affect betting results.

In light of these events, Wolverhampton Wanderers have formally submitted a resolution calling for the scrapping of VAR this summer. This motion will be put to a vote when representatives of the 20 Premier League clubs convene for their annual general meeting in Harrogate on June 6.

Wolves highlighted in their statement that the choice was made after a thorough study and with the highest respect for the Premier League, PGMOL, and its opponents. They acknowledged that all parties involved had worked hard to make the introduction of additional technology a success. However, after five seasons, Wolves argue that the minor improvements in accuracy do not justify the negative impact on the spirit of the game. They believe that VAR should be removed from the 2024/25 season onwards to preserve football’s essence.

The Premier League has confirmed that it will facilitate a discussion on VAR during the meeting. While the league and PGMOL remain committed to improving the system for the benefit of the game and fans, they acknowledge the concerns raised. Wolves have pointed out several issues stemming from VAR, including disrupted goal celebrations, confusion and frustration due to lengthy checks, a hostile atmosphere in stadiums, and an overreach of VAR’s original intent. They also highlighted an erosion of on-field officials’ authority and ongoing errors despite multiple replays, which have damaged confidence in refereeing standards.

Incidents such as Liverpool’s Luis Diaz having a goal wrongly disallowed for offside and the controversy surrounding Anthony Gordon’s winner for Newcastle United against Arsenal have kept VAR in the spotlight. Nottingham Forest’s complaints and legal considerations following their loss to Everton further underscore the discontent.

Globally, Sweden became the first country to reject implementing VAR after fans protested, leading to a reversal in its planned adoption. In the Premier League, any proposed rule change requires a two-thirds majority (14-6) to pass. The league’s board of directors believes that removing VAR would increase the number of incorrect calls and harm its reputation. They point to efforts like semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) and in-stadium VAR announcements as evidence of ongoing improvements.

Since introducing VAR, correct decisions in games have risen from 82% to 96% this season. However, the upcoming vote will determine if the Premier League believes these gains are worth the costs highlighted by its critics. Will VAR’s days be numbered, or will it continue to evolve within the English top flight? Most experts don’t believe the vote will pass and VAR will stay. The final answer lies in the hands of the club representatives who will cast their votes in June.

So, What’s Next for VAR in the Premier League?

Whether or not VAR is abolished next season, it is clear that its future will continue to be a hotly debated topic in the Premier League and even the upcoming World Cup, where FIFA will surely discuss it as well as 2026 gets closer. The upcoming vote serves as an opportunity for all parties involved to address concerns and find solutions that can improve both accuracy and the overall match experience.

If VAR does remain in place, we will likely see further efforts to refine and enhance the system, such as faster decision-making processes and clearer communication with fans. However, if it is removed, the Premier League may need to explore alternative methods of increasing officiating accuracy without sacrificing the flow and spirit of the game.

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Liverpool FC’s announcement of Jurgen Klopp’s departure at the end of the season has sent shockwaves through the football world. Klopp, who took charge of the club in 2015 and led them to the Premier League title in 2020, leaves behind a legacy of success at Anfield. As fans and pundits alike digest the news, attention naturally turns to the speculation surrounding his successor.

Betting odds have quickly become a focal point for enthusiasts eager to predict the next Liverpool manager. Here’s a glance at some of the leading contenders according to the odds:

1. **Pep Lijnders (3/1):** As Klopp’s current assistant, Lijnders is well-acquainted with the inner workings of Liverpool. His odds reflect the belief that continuity could be a key factor in maintaining the club’s recent success. Liverpool did announce managers Pepijn Lijnders and Peter Krawietz, as well as elite development coach Vitor Matos, will also vacate their positions at the end of the season. But Lijnders could obviously be promoted to head coach.

2. **Xabi Alonso (5/1):** The former Liverpool midfielder, known for his astute football mind, has been gaining coaching experience. He is currently the head coach of Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen. Alonso’s odds suggest he’s a serious contender for the managerial role, offering a potential link to the club’s glory days during his playing career.

3. **Steven Gerrard (11/2):** A Liverpool legend, Gerrard has been making waves as the manager of Rangers in Scotland and is now the manager of Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq. The prospect of him returning to Anfield as the boss is an enticing one, and the odds reflect the sentiment that he’s a strong candidate.

4. **Roberto De Zerbi (15/2):** The Italian manager, formally of Shakhtar Donetsk and how the head coach of Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion., brings a different flavor to the list of potential successors. De Zerbi’s odds indicate he’s considered a viable option, perhaps due to his tactical acumen and European experience.

5. **Julian Nagelsmann (9/1):** The young German manager has impressed in his previous roles, is currently the manager of the Germany national team. He has previously managed TSG Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, showcasing tactical innovation. Despite the longer odds, Nagelsmann’s inclusion in the list suggests Liverpool may be open to exploring external options.

The odds presented also include a field at 16/1 for potential candidates beyond the mentioned favorites. This highlights the uncertainty surrounding the appointment and leaves room for surprises in the managerial selection process.

The departure of a successful manager like Klopp undoubtedly marks a transitional period for Liverpool. The next manager will inherit a team with high expectations, and fans will be watching closely to see how the chosen candidate leads the club forward.

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Afcon 2023, Africa’s premier football event, is approaching swiftly, set to kick off in Ivory Coast, the tournament’s host for the second time. Commencing on Saturday, 13 January at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, the opening match features Ivory Coast taking on Guinea-Bissau. The action continues with Egypt facing Mozambique in Group B and holders Senegal defending their title against The Gambia in Group C on Monday, 15 January.

Curious about the tournament’s format, group fixtures, and match timings? Look no further for comprehensive insights ahead of the 34th edition of this colossal sporting event, provided by BBC Sport Africa.

Group Breakdown:
The 24 participating teams are divided into six groups, with intriguing match-ups in each. Notable clashes include Egypt vs. Ghana in Group B and Senegal vs. Cameroon in Group C.

Schedule and Kick-off Times:
During the group stages until 24 January, multiple matches are scheduled daily at 14:00, 17:00, and 20:00 (all times GMT). Following this, the knockout stages begin on Saturday, 27 January, maintaining the same timing pattern for the games.

Venues:
Six stadiums across five host cities in Ivory Coast will set the stage for Afcon 2023’s thrilling matches. These venues boast significant capacities and have either been newly constructed or renovated for the tournament, showcasing the country’s commitment to infrastructure development.

Front-Runners and Form Teams:
Several teams, including Senegal, Algeria, Morocco, and Ivory Coast, are highly anticipated contenders. However, the landscape presents exciting prospects, with new talents rising in teams like Senegal, notwithstanding the departure of key players.

Fixture Highlights:
From the opening clash between Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau to the finals on Sunday, 11 February, each match promises gripping football action, showcasing the talent and competitiveness of African football on a grand stage.

Stay updated on Afcon 2023’s fixtures, schedules, and group dynamics as the continent braces for an exhilarating football extravaganza!”

**Group Stage Fixtures:**

**Saturday 13 January**
– Ivory Coast vs Guinea-Bissau, Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan (20:00)

**Sunday 14 January**
– Nigeria vs Equatorial Guinea, Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan (14:00)
– Egypt vs Mozambique, Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan (17:00)
– Ghana vs Cape Verde, Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan (20:00)

**Monday 15 January**
– Senegal vs The Gambia, Charles Konan Banny Stadium, Yamoussoukro (14:00)
– Cameroon vs Guinea, Yamoussoukro (17:00)
– Algeria vs Angola, Stade de la Paix, Bouake (20:00)

**Tuesday 16 January**
– Burkina Faso vs Mauritania, Bouake (14:00)
– Tunisia vs Namibia, Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium, Korhogo (17:00)
– Mali vs South Africa, Korhogo (20:00)

**Wednesday 17 January**
– Morocco vs Tanzania, Laurent Pokou Stadium, San Pedro (17:00)
– DR Congo vs Zambia, San Pedro (20:00)

Betting

– **Senegal: 7/1**
– **Ivory Coast: 8/1**
– **Morocco: 8/1**
– **Egypt: 10/1**
– **Nigeria: 11/1**
– **Cameroon: 11/1**
– **Algeria: 12/1**
– **Tunisia: 13/1**
– **Mali: 26/1**
– **Ghana: 30/1**
– **DR Congo: 41/1**
– **Burkina Faso: 51/1**
– **Gabon: 51/1**
– **South Africa: 51/1**
– **Guinea: 81/1**
– **Zambia: 81/1**
– **Cape Verde Isl.: 101/1**
– **Equatorial Guinea: 101/1**
– **Tanzania: 126/1**
– **Angola: 201/1**
– **Gambia: 201/1**
– **Namibia: 201/1**
– **Mozambique: 251/1**
– **Malawi: 350/1**
– **Sierra Leone: 401/1**
– **Guinea-Bissau: 500/1**
– **Mauritania: 750/1**
– **Ethiopia: 1000/1**
– **Comoros: 1000/1**
– **Sudan: 1001/1**
– **Zimbabwe: 1001/1**

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The Brazilian forward is currently contracted to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League but has suffered a major injury setback. What lies ahead for Neymar following his season ending injury?

Neymar’s Injury

We must go back to Brazil’s World Cup qualifying defeat to Uruguay in October 2023 to discover what happened to Neymar. The forward was injured during the match and was carried off on a stretcher. The injury looked bad at the time as Neymar left the field with his hand covering his face and the news that followed confirmed the worst.

Neymar suffered a serious injury to his left knee and needed surgery to repair not only anterior cruciate ligaments but alsomeniscus injuries. Neymar will have to go through a longrehabilitation process and it will take many months for the Brazilian to get back on the pitch for club and country. The news is a blow to Brazil, who have made a stuttering start to their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Despite their struggles, Brazil are still considered one of the favourites in the betting for the 2026 World Cup and you can use £1 bookmakers to have a wager on the event with a low minimum deposit.

Neymar’s Injury Record

This is not the first time Neymar has suffered a serious injury in his career, so he will be confident of making a full recovery. Neymar has made only 17 appearances for both club and country in 2023, such has been his trouble with injuries. Going back to February 2023, and Neymar suffered an ankle injury while at his previous club, Paris Saint-Germain. The injury saw Neymar on the treatment table for five months and it was not the first time he has had problems with his ankle.

In November 2021, Neymar had an ankle injury that kept him out of action until February and between January and August 2019, Neymar suffered from a metatarsal fracture and ankle ligament tear. There was another metatarsal fracture in February 2018 and that really was the start of the serious injuries for Neymar in his career. There were plenty of injuries before February 2018 and during his time at Barcelona but only minor issues that had short recovery times. The past five years of Neymar’s career have been littered with serious injuries and the former Santos forward has done remarkably well to come back and perform at the highest level each time.

Returning to Action

Neymar has recovered from serious injuries in the past and he will do so again following surgery to his knee. However, the previous problems have been with his ankle, so this is something different. This is the most serious injury of Neymar’s career, and the recovery will take longer than his previous injuries.

The 2024 Copa America will take place between June and July and this is something for Neymar to target during his recovery. The forward has won European league titles with Barcelona and PSG plus the Champions League with Barcelona. Neymar also won the Copa Libertadores with Santos in 2011, so he has some big titles in his trophy cabinet. However, Neymar has never won anything major with Brazil.

He was part of the Brazilian team that won the 2013 Confederations Cup but that does not compare to a World Cup or Copa America. Given Neymar is now 31 years of age, it is highly unlikely he will play at the 2026 World Cup, even if he was fit for selection. Winning the World Cup is probably out of reach but there could still be a chance to win the Copa America in 2024. That is what will be the focus for Neymar and what will drive him to recover from his knee injury.

Having seen Messi captain Argentina to success at the 2022 World Cup, Neymar will want to taste similar glory with Brazil and the 2024 Copa America could be his last chance. Neymar will not be thinking about retirement just yet but he will know it is getting close. One big tournament win with Brazil is what he will want before it is too late.

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Brendan Rodgers’ side are looking to get their first win in five and turn around their fortunes when the Polish champions come to the King Power Stadium at 8 pm.

They currently sit bottom of their European group with only one win to their name but a second would take them top, ahead of the chasing pack by a point, with one game to go.

Leicester will be without Ricardo Pereira and Youri Tielemans, who both last appeared for the side in the 1-1 draw away to Leeds United before the international break.

Pereira is suffering from a hamstring injury while Tielemans will continue his recovery from a calf issue he picked up.

“Youri is still a little bit of time away, but he’s progressing well,” the Leicester manager told the media at LCFC Training Ground on Wednesday afternoon. “[He’ll be back] maybe within the next couple of weeks.

“Ricardo won’t be available. That hamstring [issue] is lingering a little bit, so he will be out for a few weeks also. We’ll just continue to monitor that, but otherwise, the squad is the same.”

Legia are currently in the relegation zone in Poland this season but are still in contention to progress in Europe after beating Leicester in the reverse fixture.

Spartak Moscow’s win over Napoli yesterday evening means that, if Leicester win tonight, all four teams would be within three points at the start of the final matchday.

Teams

Leicester City (4-3-3): Schmeichel (C); Castagne, Evans, Soyuncu, Thomas;  Ndidi, Soumaré, Maddison; Barnes, Daka.

Subs: Ward, Stolarczyk, Bertrand, Vardy, Albrighton, Iheanacho, Perez, Amartey, Choudhury, Dewsbury-Hall, Vestergaard, Marcal.

Legia Warsaw (3-4-3): Miszta; Johansson, Jedrzejczyk (C), Wieteska; Ribeiro, Slisz, Martins, Mladenovic; Muci, Emreli, Luquinhas.

Subs: Tobiasz, Holownia, Pekhart, Celhaka, Skibicki, Wlodarczyk, Rose, Ciepiela.

Odds

Leicester City 1/7

Draw 7/1

Legia Warsaw 15/1

Where To Watch

The game will be broadcast live on BT Sport 2 from 7:45 pm.

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The Foxes won 4-2 on penalties after Graham Potter’s Seagulls had equalised twice in the game’s 90 minutes.

Harvey Barnes and Ademola Lookman had twice put Leicester ahead but Adam Webster and Enock Mwepu brought their side level.

Mwepu missed the deciding penalty as Wales number one Danny Ward denied him to help his side progress to the quarter-finals.

“It was a good victory for us,” the Northern Irishman told LCFC TV at full-time. “Of course, whenever you’ve got lots of players coming in who haven’t had a lot of game time, I thought we looked a little tired in the second half.

“But what you can’t question is the players’ mentality and their spirit. They showed great qualities, especially when they got the equaliser and we were able to score straight away. I’m delighted for the guys. They had to work very, very hard for it.

“Brighton are a good side, you can see they pass the ball well, but we always looked a threat. Your spirit can never be broken. There are some teams that can get pegged back and just don’t have that belief.

“Given everything, we had five Academy boys within the game, so that’s great to see them getting that experience. That’s a great education for them.

“We’ve always said our mindset is: ‘Listen, you’re never going to have it all your own way’. If you do go behind, or you do go level in the game, you keep pushing right to the very end.”

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The holders were beaten 5-3 on penalties by West Ham United after an inspired Alphonse Areola kept them at bay.

Phil Foden and missed their penalties, which allowed Said Benrahma to score the winning spot kick and take David Moyes’ men into the next round.

The loss means that City’s five-year run without a defeat in the competition, as well as their streak of four Carabao Cups in a row, has come to an end.

“An incredible run has finished [but] we finished in a good way,” said the City boss.

“We played in a really good way, creating chances against a team who defended deep.

“On penalties, they were better. Congratulations to West Ham. Next year we will be back.”

City have dominated the competition under Pep Guardiola, beating Arsenal, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur on the way to each other four they have picked up under the Catalan coach.

Their last loss in the competition came in the 2016-17 season when they were narrowly beaten by rivals and eventual victors Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The Citizens have been lauded for their squad depth throughout their period of dominance in the League Cup as the side have several great players at their disposal in each position.

Their period of dominance led to them joining Liverpool as the record holders of the League Cup with eight each.

Guardiola praised West Ham’s performance in the game and said that they brought out a good performance from his side in return.

“Not just this season, the previous one [too],” Guardiola said of West Ham’s progress under Moyes.

“One of the toughest games we played at home when one side was better than us last season was West Ham.

“They’re doing well in the Premier League and the Europa League and now they are in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.

“Fantastic team, fantastic manager. We knew it. We did our game. I didn’t see the stats, but I thought we did a good game.

“Sometimes it happens. Next season we will be back.”

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Liverpool progressed to the quarter-finals after a 2-0 victory in a match that saw two youngsters earn their first starts for the senior team and others get game time off the bench.

The German manager was impressed once again by 18-year-old Tyler Morton, who had previously made his debut for the club in the third round of the competition against Norwich City.

Morton earned his first start for the side at the base of the midfield three and his passing and vision helped Liverpool to fashion chances and find the net.

“Tyler is obviously a real talent, a real smart footballer. You can see this,” Klopp said after the match. “His natural movements, natural positions, are really good, so he is a real football-smart boy and the technique is really good.

“Now we have to make sure we help him with getting a body for football – he is not too small and not too skinny, but there is still a little bit to come and we have to make him ready for all that. It was a very positive impact again tonight.”

Harvey Blair was taken off at half-time after Liverpool struggled to string chances together but Conor Bradley came on in his place, pushing Neco Williams to the right wing.

The Northern Irish right-back produced a solid performance and Williams shone in the new role.

Klopp sees the upcoming international break as a chance for these youngsters to prove themselves.

“Elijah [Dixon-Bonnar (substitute)], for example, did exactly that. In the last international break he was incredible.

“He’s been long in the club already but was not really on the radar – and now all of a sudden he is there. He deserved these three or four minutes tonight.

“For a young boy, it’s a massive thing to play your first game for the first team and I’m really happy for him that we could give him the opportunity.

“So, there’s always a spot for these young boys. Owen Beck obviously impressed a lot in the pre-season, like Conor did. It’s good to have them.

“The problem is in the international break some of them are as well on tour with the national teams, so then they cannot train with us. But the others can and that’s good.”

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Morton played all 90 minutes of the match, the only midfielder to do so, and further impressed after his 45-minute debut against Norwich City in the previous round.

His passing and vision were on display once again as he opened up the chance for Takumi Minamino’s opener.

“It’s very emotional,” Morton told Liverpoolfc.com post-match.

“My whole family are here and people who have supported Liverpool for years like my mates, they were here watching me and it gets emotional.

“Clapping the fans at the end, it’s just a boyhood dream and one I’ve dreamed of since I was born really because I’ve been coming to the games since I was three or four. I can’t really express the feeling.”

Morton made his debut for the senior team against Norwich last month alongside underage teammates Conor Bradley and Kaide Gordon and played alongside Harvey Blair tonight.

The Wirral-born midfielder has made 13 appearances for the Liverpool underage sides this season and has impressed in the UEFA Youth League under Marc Bridge-Wilkinson.

He had previously been on an exceptionally talented underage club side Greenleas JFC before he joined the academy.

Morton relishes the step-up to the senior level: “Yeah because I’m not used to first-team football and I’ve just come into it.

Hopefully, I can get more chances to prove myself. At the start of the game, it’s not like U23s or U18s football [because] you can’t really hear yourself think.

“The fans are loud and it’s a tough test but that’s what I like, a tough test.”

He noted that he is focused on taking his budding career game-by-game rather than dreaming of a Carabao Cup quarter-final appearance.

“I just take every game in my stride really, whatever game it is, and see how it goes. If I am in his plans or if I’m not I am always going to be happy to be part of the club and that’s what I’m like.”

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