The English Football League has launched a landmark fan consultation to determine whether Video Assistant Referees will be deployed in the Championship during the 2025-26 season, a move that could mark the first major expansion of VAR technology beyond the Premier League in England.
The decision follows pressure from club owners and broadcasters who argue that VAR could reduce controversial refereeing errors that have cost clubs promotion, prize money and reputations. Last season, 22 Championship matches were overturned or influenced by referee mistakes, costing clubs an estimated £18 million in lost revenue and fines, according to internal EFL financial disclosures.
Key Points
- ✅ Championship clubs to vote on VAR for 2025-26 season
- ⚡ Technology would cover all 552 Championship matches
- 💡 Survey open to 169,200 registered EFL fans
Under the proposal, VAR would operate from a centralised hub in Stockley Park, West London, using 32 cameras per game to review decisions including goals, penalties, direct red cards and mistaken identity. The hub would be staffed by six former professional referees and supported by Hawk-Eye’s live tracking system, which has already been trialled during pre-season friendlies involving three Championship clubs.
| Aspect | Current System | Proposed VAR System |
|---|---|---|
| Decision Review | On-field referee only | Centralised VAR hub with 32 cameras |
| Review Time | No formal limit | Maximum 60 seconds per review |
| Cost per Season | £0 | £3.7 million |
The league insists the system would not be used for subjective calls such as yellow cards for tactical fouls or offside margins less than 20mm, areas where VAR has drawn criticism in the Premier League. Clubs would also retain the right to challenge any VAR decision within 30 seconds of play resuming, though only the head coach would be permitted to initiate a challenge via pitchside monitors.
📋 By The Numbers
- 552 matches — Total Championship fixtures in 2025-26
- £18 million — Estimate of revenue lost to refereeing errors last season
- 6 referees — Number of officials staffing the proposed VAR hub
Opposition to the plan is expected from traditionalists and some club managers, who argue that VAR disrupts match flow and erodes the human element of refereeing. Former Championship-winning manager Steve McClaren, now at Queens Park Rangers, told reporters: “The game isn’t broken. We don’t need machines deciding the outcome of promotion races.” Norwich City manager David Wagner added: “VAR adds stress to players and fans, and in tight games, even a second’s delay can change the rhythm of play.”
💡 Pro Tip
Clubs should prepare contingency plans for VAR delays during high-pressure fixtures, including additional warm-up time for goalkeepers and structured hydration breaks to maintain player performance during extended stoppages.
The consultation period runs until April 15, with results expected by May 1. If approved, VAR would be implemented at the start of the 2025-26 season, with a one-year trial period allowing the EFL to assess its impact before making a permanent decision. The league has pledged that matchday experience for fans—particularly those in stadiums—will not be compromised, with no additional delays planned for replays or goal celebrations.
Key Concerns
- 📊 Potential disruption to match atmosphere during frequent VAR checks
- 🔍 Risk of over-reliance on technology in subjective refereeing decisions
- ⚠️ Uneven implementation across clubs due to varying financial resources
EFL Chief Executive John Nettleton confirmed that 12 of the 24 Championship clubs have already expressed strong support for VAR, citing improved officiating fairness as a priority. “We’re not trying to replicate the Premier League’s VAR experience,” Nettleton said. “We’re building a system tailored to the Championship’s needs—swift, fair, and minimally intrusive.” The vote, conducted via the EFL’s official app and website, requires a simple majority among registered fans to pass.
- First — Fans must register with their club’s official EFL account to vote
- Second — Survey closes April 15; results published May 1
- Third — If approved, VAR will debut in August 2025
The outcome could influence future VAR adoption in League One and League Two, where discussions are already underway. With the Premier League’s VAR system facing renewed scrutiny after high-profile errors in recent weeks, the EFL’s decision may set a new standard for officiating in English football’s lower divisions.