75% of fans oppose VAR in Premier League, says FSA

Majority of Premier League Supporters Disapprove of VAR

According to a recent survey by the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA), over 75% of fans associated with Premier League clubs express dissatisfaction with the implementation of the video assistant referee (VAR) system. The poll, which gathered responses from nearly 8,000 supporters, examined opinions on VAR’s impact across the 20 teams in the current top flight. Over 90% of respondents contested that VAR has enhanced the overall matchday experience, while 91% believed it has diminished the natural excitement of goal celebrations. Additionally, 94% of participants disagreed that the technology elevates the enjoyment of televised football.

“The findings highlight that most supporters advocate for the removal of VAR,” said Thomas Concannon, the FSA’s Premier League network manager. “We’ve all experienced its effects over time, and the negative consequences on the game are evident. Fans are frustrated by the delays, the precision of decisions, and the loss of spontaneity in key moments.”

The survey revealed that 72% of respondents do not believe VAR has increased refereeing accuracy, and 74% think the rationale behind VAR decisions remains unclear. Furthermore, 86% of supporters are concerned about the growing scope of VAR’s responsibilities. Notably, 72% oppose its use to verify corner awards, while 52% are against employing it to assess second yellow cards—a move set for the upcoming World Cup.

Despite the criticism, the Premier League maintains that VAR has improved decision accuracy. In a statement, the league noted: “We acknowledge the need to reduce VAR’s disruption to the supporter experience. Research shows fans generally support retaining the system but agree on refining its application.”

Survey Demographics and Context

The survey encompassed all 20 Premier League clubs, with the majority of respondents being frequent attendees. Over half of participants attend at least 15 matches annually, reflecting a broad cross-section of fan perspectives. While VAR remains a divisive topic, goalline technology enjoys strong support, with 93% of fans viewing it positively.

Since VAR’s introduction, the independent KMI review panel reports a 96-97% accuracy rate in refereeing decisions. However, time interruptions have decreased by 25% in the past two seasons. A recent FA Cup encounter between Aston Villa and Newcastle United—without VAR—highlighted three critical errors, underscoring the debate around the technology’s necessity.

Though VAR’s removal seems unlikely, a new proposal would require 14 out of 20 clubs to vote against it. In 2024, 19 clubs supported VAR, with Wolves being the sole dissenting voice. The Premier League emphasizes its high standard for VAR intervention, prioritizing the referee’s initial call. This approach makes VAR less disruptive compared to its use in other European leagues like the Champions League.

Concannon added: “VAR has become a constant presence in discussions, even though it’s meant to resolve disputes. Supporters feel it’s not addressing the controversies they still encounter, which explains the voting patterns.”