More than three quarters of Premier League supporters oppose VAR, according to a Football Supporters’ Association survey. Nearly 8,000 fans took part, with just over half attending more than 15 home games a season. When asked directly if they support VAR, 75.71% said no.
The dissatisfaction goes further than that number. More than 97% rejected the idea that VAR makes watching football more enjoyable, and over 90% said it has not improved the matchgoing experience. More than 70% felt it has not improved the overall accuracy of refereeing decisions.
Long checks frustrate fans. Fewer than 3% agreed decisions are reached in a reasonable time, and most do not believe reviews are any quicker despite attempts to speed them up. Over 90% felt VAR has stripped away the spontaneous joy of goal celebrations. More than 80% now prefer watching games without VAR.
There is nuance. A small majority support VAR for red card reviews, and goal line technology attracts strong backing from more than 93% of respondents. In game explanations introduced this season are backed by more than half, though communication during reviews continues to irritate many supporters.
What Is Actually Happening Inside The VAR Room?
The Video Assistant Referee was introduced to minimise incorrect decisions and increase fairness on the pitch. Technically, it relies on a network of dozens of cameras capturing the game from different angles. In a control room, video referees and assistants monitor multiple live feeds. When a controversial incident occurs such as a goal, penalty or red card, they analyse the moment in slow motion and frame by frame.
If they identify what is described as a clear and obvious error, they inform the on field referee through a headset. The referee can then confirm or overturn the original decision. The final call rests with the referee on the pitch.
Semi automated offside technology has added another element. Special tracking cameras monitor players’ positions and analyse body points including feet, knees and shoulders. A motion sensor inside the ball records the exact moment a pass is made. The system calculates in real time if an attacker was offside at the moment the ball was played. It then produces a visual representation for officials, though confirmation is human.
Where Does The Technology Fall Short?
Interest in VAR’s accuracy is high. UK Google searches for “VAR Accuracy” went up 14,600% in the past year, according to the research.
Mark Patrick, Director of Technical Content at Mouser Electronics, said there are limits to what the system can currently achieve. He explained: “Although the Video Assistant Referee helps to make decisions in football more accurately, there is still room for technical improvement. More and better-positioned cameras, as well as higher frame rates of around 100 to 120 frames per second, are key factors in determining the exact moment of ball contact or a foul more precisely.”
“Furthermore,” he adds, “AI-supported analysis methods and computer vision could speed up the evaluation of match situations and provide referees with additional data. Technologies such as semi-automatic offside detection are already demonstrating how digital tracking systems can precisely capture player and ball movements and support decision-making.”
Patrick also acknowledged limits within the system. “Despite these advances, VAR is not technically perfect. Camera angles, frame rates and the synchronisation of different video sources can affect accuracy; furthermore, the system relies on stable data and video connections.
“Despite modern camera technology, sensor systems and data-based analysis, the final assessment rests with the referee. It is precisely this interplay between technology and human judgement that defines the use of the system in modern football.”
What Will Be Different Going Forward?
Football looks towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the Americas. New VAR regulations approved by the International Football Association Board in early 2026 will expand reviews to second yellow cards and corners, alongside goals, penalties and direct red cards.
Supporters seem to be cautious about adding to VAR’s use. More than 85% expressed unease about increasing its scope, and over 70% oppose reviewing corners next season. Most are also against checks for second yellow cards, although a limited challenge system had slightly more backing than opposition.
New guidelines will also address time wasting, including a five second rule for throw ins and goal kicks and mandatory short breaks for injuries. Whether those adjustments ease frustration is open to question.
