The BIG stories of 2020 …before they happen
1 WILL THE PREMIER LEAGUE SORT OUT VAR?
The Premier League’s use of VAR has been beset by problems since its introduction at the start of the season. Fans have been left confused by the lack of communication in stadiums, while the refusal of on-pitch officials to consult pitchside monitors has been widely criticised.
Arsene Wenger, in one of his first interventions as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, called on Premier League officials to use pitchside monitors and use stadium screens to explain their decision in greater detail. But a problem for the Premier League is that two of its biggest stadiums, Old Trafford and Anfield, do not have in-stadium screens.
February’s meeting of the International Board will consider “the growing demand for more immediate information about the referee’s final decisions after a VAR review”. Members will look at “different communication options” with fans in the stadium and television viewers.
2 WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO FLORENTINO PEREZ’S PLAN FOR A WORLD LEAGUE?
While FIFA president Gianni Infantino presses ahead with his plans for an expanded Club World Cup, private equity firm CVC Capital Partners are thought to be in talks with Real Madrid boss Perez over an alternative global competition.
It has been reported that CVC have met with Perez, who is also president of the newly formed World Club Football Association (WFCA),
