The English Football League (EFL) announced on Tuesday that clubs have declined to implement a video assistant referee (VAR) challenge system in the Championship for the upcoming season.
The proposal for Football Video Support (FVS) was introduced by the Professional Game Match Officials during the EFL’s annual meeting in March. This system would allow managers to initiate two video reviews per match, utilizing various camera angles displayed on a monitor at the side of the pitch, with the option to retain a challenge if successful.
Despite the proposal, a majority of clubs voiced opposition in a subsequent EFL survey.
“After consulting with Clubs, the League confirms that no new technology will be introduced to assist Match Officials in the @SkyBetChamp for the 2026/27 season,” the EFL stated.
The consultation revealed that a significant majority of clubs did not support the introduction of a Football Video Support ‘challenge’ system.
Meanwhile, the use of Goal Line Technology will continue, having been in place since the 2017/18 season.
While VAR was adopted by the Premier League in 2019, it is not currently used in the EFL, which encompasses 72 clubs across the Championship, League One, and League Two.
A recent survey by the Football Supporters’ Association indicated that three-quarters of fans in the top tier are against the technology.
Almost 8,000 supporters participated in the poll, with just over half attending more than 15 home games a season, to gauge attitudes towards VAR.
The results highlighted widespread discontent, with over 97% of respondents opposing the notion that VAR enhances the viewing experience, and more than 90% disagreeing that it improves the matchday atmosphere.
Furthermore, 75.71% of those surveyed do not support the use of VAR in football, and over 70% feel it has not improved the accuracy of refereeing decisions. Additionally, over 90% believe that the technology has diminished the spontaneous thrill of goal celebrations.
PA contributed to this report.