MusaCarl Ikeme: A Wolves Legend Reflects on VAR and Club Changes
Carl Ikeme dedicated his entire professional career to Wolves, remaining with the club from 2003 to 2018 and becoming a beloved figure among fans. Though he had nine loan spells during his time at Molineux, his loyalty to Wolves was never in doubt.
Now retired, the former goalkeeper has praised the impact of Vitor Pereira following Gary O’Neil’s departure as manager. While Ikeme embraces progress for the club he holds dear, there’s one modern football innovation he’s relieved he never faced during his playing days: VAR.
Ikeme on VAR’s Impact on Football
Ikeme hung up his gloves in 2018 after a 15-year stint with Wolves, a period that included unforgettable achievements such as winning the Championship in 2009. Looking back, he believes some of the most thrilling moments of his career would have been overshadowed by VAR—and he’s grateful he never had to deal with it.
VAR was introduced to the Premier League in the 2019/20 season, two years after his retirement. Speaking to the club’s official website, Ikeme shared his thoughts:
“Now, when you celebrate a goal, you’re not even sure if it will count—that’s frustrating. Football has become about celebrating decisions rather than genuine moments, and that’s not something I’d want to be part of.”
Wolves’ VAR Controversies
While every Premier League club has had its share of contentious VAR calls, Wolves found themselves at the center of multiple debates in the 2023/24 season.
One of the most controversial incidents came in their opening match against Manchester United, where Sasa Kalajdzic was clearly fouled by André Onana—yet no penalty was given, and VAR didn’t even intervene.
Later in the season, another dubious decision went against Wolves in their clash with Newcastle United. Hwang Hee-chan was penalized for an apparent foul on Fabian Schär, despite replays showing minimal contact. Despite a VAR review, the original call stood, leaving Wolves frustrated once again.
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Kwaghterna Garshagu