Championship clubs reject bringing in VAR alternative next season as EFL sides take stance against technology

Lewis Henderson
Tue, 21 Apr 2026 17:00:52 +0000

Championship clubs have firmly rejected the opportunity to bring Football Video Support (FVS), a variation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR), into English football's second tier from next season.

The streamlined VAR alternative, which would have allowed managers two video reviews per match, was presented by professional game match officials at the EFL's annual gathering last month.

Following consultation with clubs, opposition to any form of video review technology proved overwhelming.

Worries about how the system would affect the matchday experience for fans, combined with financial considerations, drove the rejection.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

The decision effectively shelves the proposal indefinitely, with sources suggesting clubs are unlikely to revisit the matter within the next year.

Goal-line technology remains the sole video-based officiating tool in the Championship, while a separate vote in June will determine whether it extends to League One following a cost analysis.

FVS differs significantly from the VAR system used in the Premier League.

Rather than employing a dedicated video assistant referee, the technology relies on a replay operator who provides camera footage to the match official at a pitchside screen.

LATEST SPORTS NEWS

Karren Brady quits West Ham role with just five Premier League matches to go

Alan Shearer fears Premier League manager will lose job after worrying signs

Football pundit slams 'petty' and 'pathetic' FA after being hit with ground ban

Managers receive two challenges each game, retaining any successful review for potential further use.

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham has previously stated FVS "reduces the amount of times when there is a VAR intervention and effectively puts the onus on the coach".

The technology has found advocates among some Championship managers in recent months.

In January 2026, after a 3-0 defeat to Ipswich, former Blackburn manager Valerien Ismael said VAR should be introduced to England's second division.

Norwich boss Philippe Clement expressed frustration following his team's defeat to Ipswich earlier this month, stating there are "moments where I miss VAR to get the right decisions" after a controversial penalty was awarded against his side.

Despite these calls from the dugout, club owners and executives remained unconvinced, prioritising supporter experience and budget concerns over improved officiating accuracy.

While FVS promises fewer automatic checks than traditional VAR, match stoppages could actually increase.

Over the past two Premier League rounds, referees visited the pitchside monitor just twice across 20 fixtures.

Under FVS, that figure could quadruple per game, rising further when challenges succeed.

Trials in Spain, Italy and Canada have also exposed potential for tactical manipulation.

In a recent Canadian top flight match, Supra du Quebec used a challenge to force a second yellow card for an opponent, then scored the winner during the resulting stoppage time.