EFL clubs have decided against implementing a video assistant referee (VAR) challenge system in the Championship for the upcoming season, following a survey that revealed a majority opposition among the clubs. The proposed system, which would allow managers to request reviews during matches, was rejected despite ongoing use of goal-line technology, highlighting the broader discontent with VAR among fans and clubs alike. This decision reflects the ongoing debate over technology's role in football and its impact on the spectator experience.
EFL clubs reject chance to use VAR challenge system in Championship next season The introduction of the system was opposed by the majority of clubs following a subsequent EFL survey. Comments Sport Philip Duncan Press Association 19:10, 21 Apr 2026 Updated 19:11, 21 Apr 2026 View Image (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images) English Football League clubs have rejected the chance to use a video assistant referee challenge system in the Championship next season. Football Video Support – a version of VAR which is used in other sports – was proposed by Professional Game Match Officials at the EFL's annual meeting in March. FVS would provide managers with two reviews per match, with the referee presented with different camera angles at a monitor by the side of the pitch. The manager would keep a review if successful. However, the Press Association has been told that the introduction of the system was opposed by the majority of clubs following a subsequent EFL survey. It is understood goal-line technology will continue to be used in the Championship next season and could be extended to League One, pending a vote on fully costed proposals in June. VAR was introduced to the Premier League in 2019, but a recent survey by the Football Supporters' Association discovered that three-quarters of top-flight fans are against its use. Nearly 8,000 supporters, just over half of whom attend in excess of 15 home games a season, took part in the poll to assess attitudes to the technology. The results demonstrated just how unpopular it has become, with more than 97 per cent of respondents opposing the statement that VAR makes watching football more enjoyable, while more than 90 per cent disagreed that it has made the matchgoing experience better. Article continues below Asked if they support the use of VAR in football, meanwhile, 75.71 per cent said they do not, with more than 70 per cent disagreeing that it has improved the overall accuracy of refereeing decisions. More than 90 per cent also believe the technology has removed the spontaneous joy of goal celebrations.
Curated by Taleb Kabbara · Source: www.bristolpost.co.uk
English Football League, Professional Game Match Officials, Football Supporters' Association, Liverpool
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English Football League: The English Football League is the governing body for professional football leagues in England, which includes the Championship where the VAR challenge system was proposed.
Professional Game Match Officials: Professional Game Match Officials is the organization responsible for officiating in professional football in England, which proposed the VAR challenge system to the EFL.
Football Supporters' Association: The Football Supporters' Association represents football fans in England and conducted a survey revealing that a significant majority of fans oppose the use of VAR.
Liverpool: Liverpool FC is a professional football club in England that is part of the English Football League system and is indirectly affected by the VAR discussions in the Championship.
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