EPL: VAR under fire as fans call for Its removal

More than 75% of Premier League fans want VAR (Video Assistant Referee) to be removed, according to a survey by the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA).

The survey included about 8,000 fans, many of whom attend over 15 home games each season. It shows that VAR has become very unpopular, even though the Premier League says it helps referees make more correct decisions.

When asked about VAR, 76% of fans said they do not support it. Over 70% also said it has not improved the accuracy of refereeing decisions.

Almost all the fans (97%) said VAR has made football less enjoyable. More than 90% also said it has made the matchday experience worse.

Thomas Concannon from the FSA said most fans want VAR removed. He explained that fans are unhappy with how long decisions take, how accurate they are, and how VAR reduces excitement during games.

VAR was introduced into the Premier League seven years ago. One major complaint is that it seems designed more for TV viewers than for fans in the stadium, who often do not understand why games are delayed.

The survey also found that 94% of fans believe VAR does not make watching football on TV more enjoyable.

In response, the Premier League said their own research shows that most fans want VAR to stay, but with improvements.

For now, it is unlikely that VAR will be removed. In 2024, 19 out of 20 Premier League clubs voted to keep it, with only one club voting against it.

To remove VAR, at least 14 out of the 20 clubs would need to agree to scrap it.

At the next World Cup, VAR will even be used more widely, including decisions on corners and second yellow cards.

Currently, VAR is only used for goals, penalties, red cards, and mistaken identity cases.