The controversial KMI panel is asking commentators, reporters and pundits to make calls on some of the biggest decisions in Scottish football.
Dundee United controversially released a statement last night calling for VAR reform and confirming it had withdrawn its representation from the Key Match Incident Review Panel. It comes days after disgruntled chiefs at rivals St Mirren called for VAR to be taken out of the hands of the Scottish Football Association and to be run by an independent body.
The SFA put together a regular five man KMI panel to review controversial refereeing and VAR incidents. That consists of club representatives, former officials, ex-players and managers along with media figures. Record Sport understands that BBC commentators and Sky Sports pundits are amongst those who have been asked for their views, along with some of the written press, who all contribute towards the KMI’s findings.
KMI was brought in to bring a bit of transparency to VAR and how it is reviewed, but has also caused issues with United publicly withdrawing their representation from it. It comes after the SFA’s referee chief Willie Collum has had to make a string of apologies to clubs over a number of high-profile blunders.
Some of the KMI’s independent reviews have also left them at loggerheads with club officials and their issue is that some of these people have never played the game. United released a strongly worded statement on Wednesday night that read: “Dundee United FC has today formally notified the Scottish FA of our decision to withdraw our representation from the KMI panel.
“This decision follows extensive discussions throughout the season with the Scottish FA Refereeing Department, where we raised concerns regarding the panel’s purpose, effectiveness, and impact on Scottish football. We believe the panel’s outcomes have been inconsistent with feedback provided by the Scottish FA.
“There have been instances where on-field decisions, supported by VAR and endorsed by the Scottish FA Refereeing Department, were contradicted by the KMI panel. In many cases, these disagreements appear to be based on the opinions of panel members who, for the most part, lack significant expertise in the laws of the game.”
VAR in Scottish football has become a major talking point around the Scottish Premiership. The clubs are paying for it but many clubs don’t feel they are getting value for money and in a lot of instances are being left feeling short-changed.
United and St Mirren are both now driving for change and other top figures like Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack have previously said he would be happier without VAR.
The Buddies and United are both seeking discussions with the SFA after big decisions went against them at the weekend. United felt keeper Jack Walton was fouled for Marley Watkins’ winger at Kilmarnock, while St Mirren felt they were denied a penalty for a foul on Elvis Bwomono.
A lot of fans would like Scottish football to follow the path of their Norwegian counterparts and get rid of VAR.
The Scottish FA has been approached for comment.