More than 75% of football fans are against the use of VAR, with over 90% believing it has worsened the match-going experience since its introduction in the Premier League in the 2019-20 season, according to a new survey by the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA). The survey of 7,981 fans also found that over 85% feel VAR makes football less enjoyable, and just over 75% think the reasons for its use remain unclear inside stadiums.
The FSA, the largest supporter group in the country, noted that fans feel the various changes to the system have not brought substantial improvements. Thomas Concannon, the FSA’s Premier League network manager, said: “These findings back up the FSA’s previous survey in 2021, where fans expressed misgivings about the introduction of VAR. The vast majority are reporting the same concerns five years on – the loss of spontaneity when celebrating goals, and an overall worsening of the matchgoing experience.”
Despite fan frustration, senior sources in major football bodies insist VAR is here to stay, believing the benefits of improved accuracy outweigh the negatives. However, they plan to gradually address prevailing issues. The survey also revealed that over 50% of fans want to eliminate reviews for offsides leading to goals, and over 60% prefer to end reviews for fouls or handballs in build-ups to goals. A marginal majority (47% to 43%) would favour a challenge system if changes were made.
A Premier League spokesperson responded: “The Premier League recognises the importance of minimising the impact of VAR on the supporter experience. Since the introduction of the VAR Improvement Plan at the start of the 2024/25 season, the League and PGMO have implemented in-stadium referee announcements and more proactive communications, while there has also been the introduction of semi-automated offside technology – all designed to improve clarity, speed, and communication around key decisions.”
The spokesperson added that VAR delivers around 100 correct overturns per season and that the Premier League applies a high threshold for intervention, making it less intrusive than in other European leagues. The FSA plans to discuss the findings with the Premier League and PGMO.
