Divisional consensus against video review system despite managerial backing
Championship clubs have decisively rejected the introduction of Football Video Support (FVS), a scaled-down version of VAR designed to streamline decision-making in the second tier.
The system, which would have required fewer resources than full VAR implementation and granted each coach two reviews per match, could have been rolled out from August following a presentation by Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) at last month’s EFL annual meeting.
However, after surveying clubs’ views, the feedback was overwhelmingly negative. BBC Sport understands the proposal is now shelved indefinitely, with little prospect of resurrection within the next 12 months.
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The rejection marks a stark contrast to recent calls from several high-profile managers advocating for technological intervention.
Norwich boss Philippe Clement expressed his frustration following a controversial penalty decision against Ipswich earlier this month, saying: “There are moments where I miss VAR to get the right decisions.”
Similarly, former Bristol City manager Gerhard Struber outlined the statistical case in January, asserting that “many signs, evaluations show that with VAR the decisions are better and more fair.”
Despite such endorsements, clubs prioritised other concerns over refereeing accuracy.
Cost and Fan Experience Drive the Decision
The clubs’ reluctance stems from two primary anxieties: the financial burden of implementation and the potential negative impact on the matchday experience for supporters.
These concerns proved decisive, even as VAR continues to be standard practice in the second tiers of Spain, Italy, and Germany. France’s Ligue 2 had been poised to introduce the system until the collapse of its television rights deal rendered it financially unviable.
What Comes Next
Goal Line Technology will remain in use across the Championship, while the EFL will conduct a cost-benefit analysis ahead of a June vote on whether to extend the system into League One—suggesting a more cautious, incremental approach to technological integration.