Clubs in the English Football League and Championship have opted not to pursue the implementation of a video assistant referee (VAR) challenge system for the upcoming season.
The Football Video Support (FVS) system, a variation of VAR used in other sports, was initially proposed by the Professional Game Match Officials during the EFL’s annual meeting in March.
Under the FVS framework, managers would be allowed two reviews per match, with referees consulting various camera angles via a pitchside monitor. A significant aspect of the proposal was that successful reviews would not count against a team’s total.
However, after a comprehensive survey conducted by the EFL, most clubs opposed the system, according to the Press Association.
Introduced to the Premier League in 2019, a recent survey by the Football Supporters’ Association revealed that three-quarters of top-flight fans are against VAR’s implementation (ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Meanwhile, goal-line technology will continue to be utilized in the Championship next season, with the potential for its expansion to League One, pending a vote on fully costed proposals scheduled for June.
Since its introduction to the Premier League in 2019, VAR has faced significant backlash. A recent survey conducted by the Football Supporters’ Association found that 75% of top-flight fans oppose its use. Almost 8,000 fans participated in the poll, with more than half attending over 15 home matches each season, highlighting widespread discontent with the technology.
The findings underscored VAR’s unpopularity: over 97% of respondents disagreed with the notion that VAR enhances the enjoyment of watching football, and more than 90% felt it has not improved the matchday experience. Furthermore, 75.71% of fans do not support VAR’s use in football, while over 70% believe it has not increased the accuracy of refereeing decisions. A resounding 90% feel the technology has diminished the spontaneous joy of goal celebrations.