Fans make plea to the EFL after update emerges regarding potential introduction of VAR

Fans make a plea to the EFL after an update emerges in a report this week regarding the potential introduction of VAR.

Fans of teams in the English Football League (EFL) have expressed a diverse range of opinions following recent updates on the potential introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology into EFL competitions.

The EFL has indicated that they are considering all options regarding VAR, including a low-cost alternative known as Football Video Support (FVS), which operates with fewer cameras and allows teams a limited number of challenges per game, akin to systems in sports like tennis or cricket.

Most fans oppose the introduction of VAR, valuing the authenticity and spontaneity of the game without interruptions.

A survey from the Football Supporters’ Association indicated that nearly two-thirds of fans are against VAR, highlighting concerns over the disruption to the match experience and the time taken for decisions.

Conversely, some fans do argue for the implementation of VAR or a similar system, especially in critical matches, to mitigate glaring officiating errors which can significantly impact game outcomes.

The use of VAR in high-stakes games like the EFL play-off finals has been seen as beneficial in ensuring correct decisions without controversy.

There’s also a view that a low-cost, less invasive system might be more acceptable as it aims to maintain the game’s flow while correcting only the most egregious mistakes.

As per The Times, the EFL says all options are being considered around introducing VAR in its competitions and that it is monitoring developments around a challenge system being trialled by football’s lawmakers.

The EFL is considering the implementation of VAR into its competitions despite objections from fans.

EFL considering all options around VAR – and monitoring development of new challenge system https://t.co/oW3eoJaVB8

— Martyn Ziegler (@martynziegler) December 19, 2024

An EFL spokesman said: ‘The league continues to monitor developments in the work of IFAB and emerging technologies to support match officials.

‘While we are mindful of the impact on the authenticity of the match-going experience for supporters, and the implementation costs for clubs, it is something we continue to keep under review. Any changes would require detailed discussion and approval from our clubs.’

There is goal-line technology in the Championship and League One, but is yet to be brought into League Two. One low-cost alternative to VAR would operate using a challenge system like in tennis.

It allows managers to call for a challenge when they dispute a decision, with each team being allowed two unsuccessful challenges per match.

The system was trialled in the FIFA Women’s Under-17 World Cup in October and might even be extended to the men’s game in upcoming seasons.

As mentioned, fans make a plea to the EFL after an update emerges regarding the potential introduction of VAR…

@james_sd_uk: With the standard of refereeing in the EFL, games would last 3 hours because they’d have to check everything!!

@drac_uk: Might be the end of professional football for me. Final nail in the coffin of the beautiful game

@OwenWebster05: doesn’t work as a “high-cost” option. don’t ruin the best league in the UK.

@KGeorgiev90: Not a fan at all. I think lots of fans like the old school feeling in the EFL of not having VAR!

@RobCTID21: Hope not

@davepj17: Fuck off leave the EFL alone var has fucked the premiership learn your lesson!!

@pafc_brad: Good because the linesmen and refs are useless at their jobs

@Deutsch_Gills: 100% no! It’s ruining the game in the top league. Don’t bring it down here.

@pauljhnst: The best thing about the EFL is no VAR…!!!

@pottersjohn: Bore off, will be the final straw with me. It’s bad enough in neutral PL game on tv but to have to endure it week in, week out with my own club means I probably won’t bother

@CMpafc: Good, championship referees are the worst in this country and probably the worst in the world.

@1961_ian: Nearly time to stop following football

@ChrisMoseley2: Fuck off. Big fat no. Time to get another petition out to stop this. Get VAR out of our game

@wellbeaten1977: All that’s needed is semi automatic offsides, goal line tech and give each captain 1 challenge per game if they believe a key decision has gone against them (pen call, sending off etc) which they lose if overturned or keep if right.

@R_JLife: Worst idea ever, VAR ruins everything. You can’t enjoy any goal, you’re just waiting for the admin checks. Not having VAR was what made last year’s relegation a sweet release.

@asyouwereS6: On behalf of every single fan of an EFL club – @EFL get to absolute fuck with this, noone wants it, form once in your lives listen to the fucking people who actually go to matches.

@FG_utb2: On behalf of everyone that supports an EFL club, fuck off

@davidnumber48: Get ya sen fucked off. Keep it in the shitty prem, we dont want real football dragged down with that shite. If lino’s flag stays down, its a fuckin goal. Simple as. Then we all get bruised shins and fractured skulls if its a last minute winner 💪

@SeanMills6: The one saving grace of EFL football is no VAR. I haven’t seen anyone say they want it, please leave the lower leagues alone.

@capaled:
Please no VAR
Regards
A fan of an EFL club

@geore_spivey: With all that money it’s still not used right, VAR on a lower budget with worse refs will be a disaster

No!!!!!
Love watching the EFL knowing there isn’t VAR! https://t.co/Q3xj5Ju6Ht

— Neil Mellor (@NeilMellor33) December 20, 2024