The Premier League may delay the introduction of VAR until the 2019-20 season because of increasing reservations about the system from a number of clubs. The 20 top-flight clubs are due to discuss VAR next month, which could lead to a vote on its introduction, but The Times has learnt that even some of the clubs in favour of it want to see more testing, which is likely to lead to a delay.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are understood to be among the advocates of VAR, with Crystal Palace, Stoke City and Huddersfield Town believed to be the most sceptical. Many of the other 14 clubs are undecided, but a number of those theoretically in favour feel that it would be premature to use the