Championship Clubs Reject VAR-Style System for 2026-27

Championship clubs have decisively rejected the proposal to introduce a VAR-style video review system for the 2026-27 season. The system, which was presented at the English Football League's annual meeting last month, aimed to simplify video assistant referee technology and would have allowed coaches two reviews per match.

However, feedback from Championship clubs indicated strong opposition to the idea, with concerns raised about potential disruptions to match atmospheres and the financial costs associated with implementing such a system. Notably, Philipp Clement, the manager of Norwich City, mentioned that VAR could improve refereeing decisions, while Gerhard Struber, a former manager of Bristol City, argued that VAR decisions have been fairer and have improved accuracy in the league.

Despite these views, the clubs voted against the introduction of video review technology, meaning the Championship will continue without it, unlike top divisions in countries such as Spain, Italy, and Germany, where VAR is already in use.