More than three-quarters of football fans are against the use of VAR, according to a new survey by the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA). The poll of nearly 8,000 supporters found that over 90% believe the technology has worsened the match-going experience since its introduction in the 2019-20 Premier League season.
The FSA, the largest supporter group in the country, reported that over 85% of respondents feel VAR makes football less enjoyable, while just over 75% said the reasons for its use remain unclear inside stadiums. The findings echo a similar 2021 survey, with fans citing a loss of spontaneity when celebrating goals and an overall deterioration of the live experience.
Thomas Concannon, the FSA’s Premier League network manager, said: “These findings back up our 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 FSA has shared the results with the Premier League and the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMO) and looks forward to discussions.
Despite fan frustration, senior sources across major football bodies insist VAR is here to stay, citing improvements in accuracy. The Premier League highlighted its VAR Improvement Plan, introduced at the start of the 2024/25 season, which includes in-stadium referee announcements, semi-automated offside technology, and a high threshold for intervention. A spokesperson said: “VAR delivers more correct decisions… The League applies a high threshold for VAR intervention, with the Referee’s Call taking precedence.”
The survey also revealed that over 50% of fans want to scrap reviews for offsides leading to goals, and over 60% would end reviews for fouls or handballs in build-ups. A narrow majority (47% to 43%) favoured a challenge system if changes were made to VAR.
