Top-flight football supporters rally behind bid to ditch video assistant referees

A staggering majority of Premier League fans, over three-quarters, are in favor of abolishing VAR, and an even larger proportion believe it has a negative impact on the overall matchday experience, as revealed by a survey conducted by the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) involving nearly 8,000 supporters.

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The survey, which included responses from fans who attend more than 15 home games per season, found that a significant 76 percent of participants do not support the use of VAR, with over 70 percent disagreeing that it has improved the accuracy of refereeing decisions.

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The consensus among fans is clear, with a near-unanimous 97 percent agreeing that VAR has made football less enjoyable, while over 90 percent believe it has not enhanced the matchday experience.

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According to Thomas Concannon, the FSA’s Premier League network manager, the survey results demonstrate that the majority of fans want VAR removed, citing frustrations with the time it takes, its accuracy, and the reduced spontaneity it brings to the game.

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Concannon further emphasized that VAR detracts from the true essence of football and the special moments that make the sport so beloved.

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First introduced in the Premier League seven years ago, one of the primary complaints about VAR is that it caters more to the television audience rather than those attending the game in person, who are often left unaware of the reasons behind delays in the match.

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However, the survey found that even 94 percent of fans disagree that VAR makes watching football on TV more enjoyable, contradicting the notion that it enhances the viewing experience.

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In response to the survey, the Premier League released a statement claiming that their research indicates fans are largely in favor of keeping VAR, but improving its implementation.

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The prospect of immediate changes to the VAR rules appears unlikely, given that 19 out of 20 Premier League clubs voted to retain VAR in 2024, with only Wolves opposing the decision after proposing the vote themselves.

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In order for VAR to be scrapped, 14 out of the 20 Premier League clubs would need to vote against it, following a new proposal for abolition by one of the teams in the English top-flight.

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Notably, VAR’s scope will be expanded at the upcoming World Cup to include decision-making on corners and second yellow cards, marking a significant change from its current limitations to goals, penalty decisions, direct red cards, and cases of mistaken identity.