A majority of Premier League fans have called for the removal of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, citing its negative impact on the matchday experience, according to a survey by the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA).
The poll, which surveyed nearly 8,000 supporters across all 20 top-flight clubs, offers one of the clearest indications yet of growing dissatisfaction with the system, seven years after its introduction.
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More than three-quarters (76 percent) of respondents said they oppose the continued use of VAR, while over 70 percent disagreed that it has improved the accuracy of refereeing decisions.
Concerns about the overall enjoyment of football were even more pronounced, with 97 percent of fans stating that VAR has made the game less enjoyable. Additionally, over 90 percent believe the technology has worsened the matchday experience.
“The results show that most fans want VAR removed,” said FSA Premier League network manager Thomas Concannon.
“People are frustrated by the time it takes, the perceived lack of accuracy, and the loss of spontaneity. It takes away from what football is meant to be and those special moments.”
Introduced into the Premier League in 2019, VAR has faced persistent criticism, particularly from match-going supporters, who often lack clarity during lengthy reviews.
Despite the backlash, the Premier League maintains that its own research suggests fans favour retaining VAR, albeit with improvements to its implementation.
For now, significant changes appear unlikely. In 2024, 19 of the league’s 20 clubs voted to keep VAR, with only Wolverhampton Wanderers opposing its continued use.
Under current rules, at least 14 clubs would need to support a proposal for VAR to be scrapped.
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