Premier League supporter survey reveals 75% want VAR scrapped

A Football Supporters Association survey has revealed that 75 per cent of fans do not support the use of VAR in the Premier League.

Almost 8,000 supporters were polled as part of the second national VAR survey undertaken by the FSA, a representative body for supporters in England and Wales, and the results reveal the extent to which opinion has turned against VAR since its introduction to the Premier League in 2019-20.

The results show that 95 per cent of Premier League fans believe VAR reviews still take too long to resolve, while more than 90 per cent of respondents indicated that the match-day experience has been damaged and 81 per cent said they prefer to watch games without VAR.

In 2017 the FSA’s annual survey revealed that 74 per cent of fans were in favour of the introduction of VAR. By 2021, however, 63 per cent of fans were unhappy with the system and, after almost seven seasons of VAR controversy in the Premier League, dissatisfaction continues to grow.

The FSA’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 match-going experience.

“We have shared the survey results with the Premier League and PGMO [Professional Game Match Officials], and look forward to discussing its findings with them.”

Almost 82 per cent of respondents to the survey, which was aimed at supporters of Premier League clubs, said they had experienced a VAR decision inside a stadium this season. The data reveals that a majority believe the introduction of in-stadium announcements this season has been an improvement, but that a lack of clarity surrounding decision-making remains an issue.

Fans do not, however, completely oppose the use of technology. The survey revealed that 95 per cent support the use of goalline technology and between 40 and 55 per cent indicated that they either “strongly” or “somewhat” support VAR reviews for offside decisions leading to goals and red cards.

Forty-seven per cent of respondents also showed support for a “challenge system” similar to those already in use in cricket and rugby league, which the International FA Board announced further trials of as part of a two-year review into VAR at the lawmakers’ AGM last month.

However, 72 per cent of those polled oppose VAR reviews for corners and 52 per cent were against VAR checks for second yellow cards, both of which will come into effect for the first time at this summer’s World Cup.

Interestingly, while 71 per cent of fans believe that VAR has improved the overall accuracy of refereeing decisions, only 13 per cent “strongly agreed” with the statement: “It is better for the game that more correct decisions are being made.”

There have already been as many VAR errors this season (18) as there were during the whole of the last season. PGMO points to a downward trend over the previous three seasons, however, from a high of 35 in 2022-23. PGMO also highlights that review times have fallen from an average of 64 seconds to 48 in the past two seasons, and that the Premier League has the lowest VAR intervention rate in European football (roughly once in every four matches).

A Premier League spokesperson said: “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.”

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