EFL Clubs Reject Proposal to Introduce VAR Challenge System in Championship

English Football League (EFL) clubs have collectively rejected a proposal to implement a Video Assistant Referee (VAR)-style challenge system in the Championship for the 2026-27 season. The decision follows a presentation by Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) on the Football Video System (FVS), a variation of VAR designed to require fewer resources and allow each head coach two review opportunities per game via a physical card signal to the fourth official.

Despite interest from some managers — including Norwich’s Philippe Clement, who acknowledged missing VAR for key decisions, and former Bristol City manager Gerhard Struber, who praised its potential for fairer outcomes — clubs across all three EFL divisions concluded there was insufficient support to move forward. Concerns centered on the potential disruption to the game’s flow, financial implications, and fan sentiment, with many stakeholders believing the technology could detract from the matchday experience.

The EFL confirmed that goal-line technology will remain in leverage in the Championship next season. A formal vote is scheduled for June to determine whether to extend this technology to League One, contingent on a cost-based analysis. Meanwhile, the idea of introducing any form of video review system in the EFL is considered closed for the foreseeable future, with little expectation of revival within the next year.

While VAR is currently employed in the top tiers of Spain, Italy, and Germany — and was slated for Ligue 2 in France before being abandoned due to a collapsed TV rights deal — EFL clubs have opted to maintain the status quo, prioritizing tradition and affordability over technological intervention in officiating.