Video Assistant Referees (VAR) were introduced in English football in 2018 with the aim of improving accuracy and reducing controversy. Despite initial criticism, the technology has become an integral part of the game. In fact, according to a recent report, there has been an increase in the number of VAR reviews in the Premier League, with an average of 45.6 reviews per match in the 2025-26 season, compared to 34.2 in the 2023-24 season.
Proponents of VAR argue that it has improved the accuracy of refereeing decisions, reducing the number of contentious calls. However, critics claim that it has disrupted the flow of the game, turning what should be a straightforward decision into a lengthy and complex process. The technology has also been accused of taking away from the human element of refereeing, with some arguing that it has turned referees into mere facilitators of a computer-generated decision.
Former Premier League referee Darren England has spoken out against the increasing use of VAR, suggesting that it is having a negative impact on the game. 'It's just become a hindrance,' he told a recent meeting of the Premier League's Referees' Committee. 'We're not using it to improve the game, we're just using it to keep delaying the game.'
The issue of VAR has also become a contentious one in parliament, with some MPs calling for its abolition. However, the government has so far resisted these calls, arguing that the technology has improved accuracy and reduced controversy. A spokesperson for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said, 'We believe that VAR has been a positive addition to the game, and we will continue to monitor its impact.'
The implications of VAR for UK citizens are significant. For fans, it has become a major draw, with many tuning in to see the drama and controversy that it generates. However, for players and officials, it has created a culture of uncertainty and anxiety, with many feeling that the technology is undermining the integrity of the game. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether VAR will remain a permanent fixture in English football.