Head of Premier League’s VAR operation Neil Swarbrick ‘to retire at the end of the season’

Neil Swarbrick, the head of the Premier League’s VAR operation, is set to retire at the conclusion of the season.

Swarbrick has overseen the VAR operation since its introduction for the 2019-20 season.

According to the Athletic, Swarbrick’s retirement has been ‘planned for a considerable time’ and is not a reaction to recent controversies.

Swarbrick had been among the officials criticised following a series of VAR mistakes earlier this month.

The VAR official did not inform referee Craig Pawson that he had missed a potential handball by Tomas Soucek in the penalty area during West Ham’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea at the London Stadium.

The former Premier League official has led the VAR operation since its introduction in 2019