Hawk-Eye Innovations, the company behind Scottish football's VAR system, has doubled profits to more than £11 million over the last five years. The Surrey-based firm has supplied the match day technology used in the Premiership since 2022, including cameras, replay systems, tracking and infrastructure that allow officials to review key incidents.
Revenues and profits rise sharply
In the 12 months to the end of March, Hawk-Eye reported revenues of almost £89 million, an increase of more than £8 million on the previous year. The business, ultimately owned by Sony, declared a profit after tax of £11.1 million, up more than £400,000 on last year and more than double the £5 million profit recorded in 2021, when revenues stood at £37.6 million.
The company, which also provides the system to the English top flight, employs more than 680 staff and has net assets of £63.8 million. Its technology is also used in other sports, including tennis and rugby.
Growing use of VAR technology
A source said: “There is an increasing use of VAR technology in football much to the delight of some fans and dismay of others. But one thing is for sure – no matter who wins on the pitch, the people who own the firm are winning every game.”
VAR hit the headlines in May when it intervened in the closing stages of Celtic's clash with Motherwell to award the Hoops a late penalty for a handball against Sam Nicholson which had been missed by the referee.
Job opportunity at SPFL matches
Last week, it was revealed that Hawk-Eye was looking for a new Graphics Operator/Video Information Officer, potentially offering tech-savvy football fans a £60-a-match job at SPFL games. The company is advertising for a “quick learner” with knowledge of the laws of the game and a keen interest in “technology and sport” to work behind the scenes. Hawk-Eye Innovations was approached for comment.
