More than three-quarters of Premier League fans want the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system scrapped, according to a new survey that highlights growing frustration with the technology’s impact on football.
The poll, conducted by the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA), gathered responses from nearly 8,000 supporters, over half of whom attend more than 15 home matches each season. It paints a stark picture of dissatisfaction, with 76 percent of respondents opposing the continued use of VAR.
Despite the Premier League’s insistence that VAR has improved the accuracy of officiating, more than 70 percent of fans surveyed disagreed. An overwhelming 97 percent said the technology has made football less enjoyable, while over 90 percent rejected the idea that it has enhanced the matchday experience.
FSA Premier League network manager Thomas Concannon said the findings reflect deep-rooted frustrations among supporters.
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“The results show that most fans want VAR removed,” he said. “People are annoyed about the time that it takes, annoyed about the accuracy, and annoyed about the reduced spontaneity. It does take away from what football is meant to be and what those special moments are about.”
Introduced into the Premier League seven years ago, VAR was designed to assist referees in key decisions, including goals, penalties, red cards and cases of mistaken identity. However, fans have frequently complained about lengthy delays and a lack of communication inside stadiums, where spectators are often left unaware of what is being reviewed.
The dissatisfaction extends beyond those attending matches. The survey found that 94 percent of respondents do not believe VAR has improved the experience of watching football on television.
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In response to the findings, the Premier League maintained that its own research suggests supporters are broadly in favour of retaining VAR, provided improvements are made to how it is implemented.
Any immediate removal of the system appears unlikely. In 2024, 19 of the league’s 20 clubs voted to keep VAR in place, with Wolverhampton Wanderers the only side to oppose it after proposing a motion for its abolition. Under league rules, at least 14 clubs would need to vote against VAR for it to be scrapped.
Rather than being phased out, VAR’s role in football could expand. At the upcoming World Cup, officials are expected to broaden its scope to include decisions on corners and second yellow cards—adding to its existing remit over goals, penalties, direct red cards and mistaken identity.
For now, the debate continues, with fans increasingly vocal in their opposition while football’s governing bodies remain committed to refining, rather than removing, the controversial system.
