Over 75 per cent of fans are against the use of VAR in football, with more than 90 per cent feeling it has made the match-going experience worse since its 2019-20 inception in the Premier League, according to a new survey by the Football Supporters’ Association [FSA]. More pertinent for authorities is that fans feel that the various changes to the system have not actually brought any substantial improvements.
The FSA are the largest supporter group in the country, and surveyed 7,981 fans. In addition to the standout findings, over 85 per cent feel that VAR makes football less enjoyable, with just over 75 per cent feeling the reasons for its use are still not clear in the stadium.
The FSA are next hoping to discuss the findings with the Premier League and PGMO.
The fan group’s Premier League network manager, Thomas Concannon, 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.
“We have shared the survey results with the Premier League and PGMO, and look forward to discussing its findings with them.”
Despite long-time frustration among fans, senior sources in virtually all of the major football bodies insist VAR is here to stay. They believe the benefits outweigh the negatives, given the improvement in accuracy, but that they gradually plan to address prevailing issues.
Among some of the other notable results in the survey, over 50 per cent of fans want to get rid of reviews for offsides leading to goals, with over 60 per cent preferring to end reviews for fouls or handballs in build-ups to goals.
A marginal greater share of fans (47 per cent to 43 per cent) would prefer some kind of challenge system if changes were to be made to VAR.
A Premier League spokesperson addressed the outcome of the survey by saying: “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.
“VAR delivers more correct decisions. In recent seasons, there have been around 100 correct VAR overturns per season – instances where goals would otherwise have been incorrectly awarded or disallowed, or red cards or penalties missed or wrongly given.
“The Premier League works closely with PGMO to continually improve the operation of VAR, with the aim of ensuring minimal interference in matches wherever possible. The League applies a high threshold for VAR intervention, with the Referee’s Call taking precedence. As a result, VAR is less intrusive in the Premier League than in other European leagues, including the Champions League, where VAR intervenes almost twice as often.
“As part of ongoing dialogue with supporters, Premier League research indicates fans are largely in favour of keeping VAR, but improving the way it is used. This remains a priority for both the Premier League and PGMO, and the League will continue to engage with all stakeholders to build on the progress made through the VAR Improvement Plan.”
