Championship Clubs Vote Against VAR and Its Alternative for Next Season
Championship clubs have decided against introducing any video review system, including a scaled-down version, for the 2026-27 season. The decision came after a formal presentation and a subsequent feedback process, revealing a strong consensus against the technology. Clubs cited concerns over cost and the impact on the matchday experience for fans, effectively shelving the idea for the foreseeable future.
The Proposal and the Reaction
The proposal presented to clubs was for Football Video Support (FVS), a system designed for leagues with fewer resources. Unlike the full VAR used in the Premier League, FVS does not have a dedicated video assistant referee constantly reviewing incidents. Instead, it relies on a replay operator providing angles to the on-field referee at a pitchside monitor. A key feature is that each team's coach gets two challenges per match to request a review; a successful challenge means the coach retains that challenge for later use.
The EFL canvassed club opinions after the presentation, and the feedback was overwhelmingly negative. Despite some public calls from managers within the league for more technological help to ensure fairness, the collective decision was clear. The clubs showed no appetite to proceed, prioritizing fan experience and financial practicality over the potential for more accurate decisions.
Why Clubs Are Hesitant
Several factors drove the clubs' decision:
- Financial Cost: Implementing any video review system requires significant investment in technology, infrastructure, and training for officials and club staff.
- Fan Experience: There is a widespread concern that introducing reviews, even in a challenge-based system, would disrupt the flow of the game and detract from the live supporter experience in stadiums.
- Operational Complexity: Even a simpler system like FVS adds layers of procedure and potential stoppage time to matches.
- Tactical Misuse: Early trials in other leagues have shown that the challenge system can be used tactically, not just for fairness, as seen in a recent Canadian Premier League match.
The Current State of Technology in the EFL
While video review is off the table, Goal Line Technology (GLT) will continue to be used in the Championship. Furthermore, the EFL is conducting a cost-based analysis ahead of a vote in June regarding extending GLT into League One. This indicates a continued, but cautious, approach to technology, focusing on systems with very specific and limited applications.
Manager Opinions Versus Club Consensus
Interestingly, the club decision runs counter to some voiced opinions from within the league. For instance, Norwich manager Philippe Clement recently said he missed VAR after a penalty decision in a match against Ipswich. Former Bristol City manager Gerhard Struber also argued in January that decisions are better and more fair with VAR. However, these individual viewpoints did not translate into broader club support for the change.
Key Takeaways
- The Championship will operate without any form of video assistant referee or challenge-based review system next season.
- The primary reasons for rejection are financial cost and concerns about negatively impacting the matchday atmosphere for fans.
- Goal Line Technology remains in use, and its expansion to League One is under consideration.
- A scaled-down system called Football Video Support (FVS) was the specific proposal rejected by the clubs.
- The decision highlights a divergence between some managers' desires for technological aid and the clubs' broader operational and fan-centric priorities.
The outcome solidifies the Championship's position as a league valuing tradition and accessibility, even as other second divisions in Europe like Spain's LaLiga 2 and Germany's 2. Bundesliga utilize VAR. The idea is now closed, with little expectation of it being revived by the clubs themselves in the near future.
— Editorial Team
