A significant majority of Premier League supporters want Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology removed from English football, according to a new survey conducted by the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA).
The survey, which polled nearly 8,000 fans, found that 76% of Premier League supporters do not support the continued use of VAR, highlighting growing frustration with the system nearly seven years after its introduction.
More than half of those surveyed attend over 15 home matches each season, making the findings a strong reflection of the regular match-going fan base across the Premier League.
VAR Criticism Intensifies Across the Premier League
The FSA’s findings reveal widespread dissatisfaction with how VAR is affecting the atmosphere and flow of football.
An overwhelming 97% of respondents said VAR has made football less enjoyable, while more than 90% believe it has negatively impacted the overall matchday experience.
Fans cited several major concerns, including:
- lengthy delays in decision-making
- questionable accuracy
- reduced spontaneity during goal celebrations
- lack of clarity inside stadiums
Thomas Concannon, the FSA’s Premier League network manager, said the results clearly show fan frustration.
“The results show that most fans want VAR removed. People are annoyed about the time that it takes, annoyed about the accuracy, and annoyed about the reduced spontaneity.”
He added that the technology takes away from the emotional moments that define football.
Premier League Matchday Experience Under Scrutiny
One of the most frequent complaints from supporters is that VAR appears to benefit television viewers more than fans inside the stadium.
At many Premier League grounds, spectators are often left waiting for clear explanations of lengthy pauses in play, creating confusion and frustration.
Interestingly, the survey also showed dissatisfaction among television audiences, with 94% saying VAR has not improved watching football on TV.
This suggests criticism of VAR extends beyond the stadium and into the broader Premier League viewing audience.
Premier League Maintains Support for VAR
Despite the growing backlash, the Premier League has defended the use of VAR.
In response to the survey, league officials stated that their own research indicates fans generally support keeping VAR, provided improvements are made to how it is implemented.
The Premier League also continues to argue that the system has increased the number of correct refereeing decisions.
No Immediate Change Expected in the Premier League
Any move to remove VAR from the Premier League appears unlikely in the near future.
In 2024, 19 out of 20 clubs voted to retain the technology, with only Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. opposing it after proposing a motion for its removal.
For VAR to be abolished, 14 of the 20 Premier League clubs would need to vote in favor of scrapping it following a fresh proposal.
At present, there is little indication that sufficient club support exists for such a major rule change.
VAR Set for Expanded Role in Global Football
While its future in the Premier League remains debated, VAR is set to gain even more influence on the global stage.
At the upcoming FIFA World Cup, officials are expected to expand VAR’s role to include reviews involving:
- corner kick decisions
- Second yellow cards
- existing checks on goals and penalties
This expansion signals that, despite criticism in the Premier League, football’s governing bodies continue to see VAR as a central part of the sport’s future.
Conclusion
The latest survey underlines the widening gap between the Premier League and its supporters over the use of VAR. With 76% of fans calling for its removal and nearly unanimous criticism over enjoyment levels, pressure is mounting on league officials to address ongoing concerns. Whether the Premier League chooses reform over removal, the debate around VAR is far
