Liverpool ‘could launch legal challenge’ over VAR blunder that may cost them £80 million

Liverpool are considering the possibility of pursuing a legal challenge following a VAR error that cost them a crucial point against Tottenham.

VAR Controversy Frustrates Liverpool Fans

The controversy surrounding Luis Diaz’s disallowed goal continues to fuel frustration among Reds fans.

Further, the removal of referees Darren England and Dan Cook from upcoming Premier League fixtures has taken place.

But there are no immediate plans to change the protocol preventing delays for VAR decisions.

Legal Recourse for Liverpool?

Although Jurgen Klopp’s suggestion of a replay is improbable, football finance expert Dr. Rob Wilson suggests that Liverpool may have a legitimate legal recourse in this matter.

The VAR blunder remains a topic of intense discussion.

According to Dr. Rob Wilson…

The professor of economics at Sheffield Business School said, on behalf of BettingSites.co.uk :

“There’s a discernible difference in prize money for the Premier League’s top two of about £5million or £6m, but Liverpool still would have qualified for the Champions League, and that’s much bigger than finishing 5th.

It’s offset a bit by the Europa League, but £80million is the difference between qualifying for the Europa rather than the Champions League. That’s why it’s much more important for clubs to finish in the top four than finish champions.

There isn’t that much difference between finishing fourth or finishing first, but it’s next to nothing. Fifth to fourth is where the big money is earned.”

Further…

He added:

“I’m not a lawyer, so I couldn’t answer if Liverpool would have a legal case against the Premier League or not. My understanding is that the laws of the game prevent the game from being stopped.

As far as the officials were concerned, the VAR decision was the right one, but you would imagine some kind of legal challenge. That legal challenge would involve multi millions of pounds in unachieved revenue.

That could entail not finishing at the top of the Premier League or not reaching the Champions League – which is easier to calculate.

🚨 Premier League VAR officials will confirm the outcome of decisions with their assistants from this weekend to prevent a repeat of the mistake on Saturday that cost Liverpool a goal in their defeat at Tottenham.

PGMOL has instructed the VAR to confirm the outcome of any check… pic.twitter.com/29wNStemUS

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) October 6, 2023

Failure to get into the top four will cost Liverpool £80million next year. I don’t see we’ve got any precedents here, other than when Mascherano and Tevez were playing for West Ham, and the Hammers sent Sheffield United down.

That ended up being a £5m payment which was never relative to the cost of relegation. That does give us a precedent to say a legal challenge will be the next stage.”

What’s Next?

A win for Liverpool against Spurs would have positioned them one point ahead in the Premier League’s top spot.

However, their defeat has pushed them down to fourth place. But, their upcoming match against Brighton in Sussex presents a potential challenge, as Brighton is considered a formidable opponent.

Sridarshi Chowdhury

Passionate about the beautiful game and dedicated to Liverpool FC, where “You’ll Never Walk Alone” is not just a slogan, but a way of life. I live and breathe football, from the roar of the Anfield crowd to the tactical intricacies of the sport.

My expertise lies in dissecting the transfer market, tracking player movements, and uncovering the hidden gems destined for greatness. Whether it’s discussing potential signings, analyzing match strategies, or celebrating the brilliance of players, I’m always ready for a football conversation.