Oxford United: EFL clubs reject introduction of VAR

Football Video Support – a version of VAR which is used in other sports – was proposed by Professional Game Match Officials at the EFL’s annual meeting in March.

FVS would provide managers with two reviews per match, with the referee presented with different camera angles at a monitor by the side of the pitch. The manager would keep a review if successful.

However, the Press Association has been told that the introduction of the system was opposed by the majority of clubs following a subsequent EFL survey.

It is understood goal-line technology will continue to be used in the Championship next season and could be extended to League One, pending a vote on fully costed proposals in June.

Oxford United are currently fighting to retain their Championship status with only three games left of the season.

Oxford United captain Cameron Brannagan consults referee Sam Allison (Image: Jason Dawson)

The U’s face Wrexham this evening and are currently five points away from safety after a 1-0 defeat to Derby County last weekend.

VAR was introduced to the Premier League in 2019, but a recent survey by the Football Supporters’ Association discovered that three-quarters of top-flight fans are against its use.

Nearly 8,000 supporters, just over half of whom attend in excess of 15 home games a season, took part in the poll to assess attitudes to the technology.

The results demonstrated just how unpopular it has become, with more than 97 per cent of respondents opposing the statement that VAR makes watching football more enjoyable, while more than 90 per cent disagreed that it has made the matchgoing experience better.

Asked if they support the use of VAR in football, meanwhile, 75.71 per cent said they do not, with more than 70 per cent disagreeing that it has improved the overall accuracy of refereeing decisions. More than 90 per cent also believe the technology has removed the spontaneous joy of goal celebrations.