75% of Premier League fans oppose VAR, FSA survey
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- Football Supporters' Association surveyed nearly 8,000 Premier League fans, finding 75% oppose VAR.
- Fans said 90% felt VAR has not improved matchday experience, 91% said it harms goal‑celebration spontaneity, and 94% said it makes TV viewing less enjoyable.
- Premier League stated its research shows fans are largely in favour of keeping VAR but want its use improved, noting about 100 correct VAR overturns per season and less intrusiveness than the Champions League.
- Thomas Concannon warned supporters are annoyed by VAR’s time delays, accuracy concerns, and loss of spontaneity, urging the league to listen.
- KMI review panel estimated VAR‑related refereeing decisions have a 96‑97% accuracy rate, while VAR‑induced time delays have fallen 25% over the past two seasons.
- Wolves were the sole Premier League club in 2024 to vote against keeping VAR, while 19 of the 20 clubs voted to retain it.
Why it matters: Fans' overwhelming opposition—75% of surveyed supporters—creates pressure on the Premier League to rethink VAR implementation, while the league’s own data suggests a majority still backs the technology, highlighting a clash that could shape future officiating policies, fan satisfaction, and commercial revenue.
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