LONDON, England: English clubs in the second division have rejected the introduction of a video assistant referee (VAR) challenge system for next season, reported PA Media/dpa.
The proposed Football Video Support (FSV) system, used in other sports, would have allowed coaches to challenge officials’ decisions.
FVS would provide managers with two reviews per match, with the referee shown different camera angles on a pitchside monitor. Managers would retaine a review if the challenge is successful.
The introduction of the system was opposed by a majority of second-tier clubs after a presentation on the VAR variant, which is significantlya much cheaper than the full version.
Full VAR, in which referees are alerted to potential errors by off-site officials, was introduced to the Premier League in 2019.
However, a recent survey by the Football Supporters’ Association found that three-quarters of English top-flight fans oppose its use.
Nearly 8,000 supporters took part in the poll, just over half of whom attend more than 15 home games per season, to assess attitudes towards the technology.
The results demonstrated just how unpopular it has become, with more than 97 per cent of respondents disagreeing with the statement that VAR makes watching football more enjoyable, while more than 90 per cent said it has not improved the match-going experience. – BERNAMA-PA MEDIA/dpa
