Championship clubs reject Football Video Support technology for next season
Championship clubs have firmly rejected the opportunity to bring Football Video Support (FVS), a variation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR), into English football’s second tier from next season, reports BritPanorama.
The streamlined VAR alternative, which would have allowed managers two video reviews per match, was presented by professional game match officials at the EFL’s annual gathering last month. Following consultation with clubs, opposition to any form of video review technology proved overwhelming.
Concerns regarding the impact on the matchday experience for fans, combined with financial considerations, contributed to the decision to reject FVS. The proposal is now effectively shelved indefinitely, and sources indicate that clubs are unlikely to revisit the matter within the next year.
As it stands, goal-line technology remains the only video-based officiating tool in the Championship, with a separate vote scheduled in June to determine its potential extension to League One following a thorough cost analysis. FVS differs significantly from the VAR system currently in use in the Premier League; instead of relying on a dedicated video assistant referee, FVS would employ a replay operator who supplies camera footage to the match official at a pitchside monitor.
Under the proposed system, managers would receive two challenges per match, retaining any successful review for additional use. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham previously stated that FVS “reduces the amount of times when there is a VAR intervention and effectively puts the onus on the coach.” Despite some advocacy from Championship managers, including Valerien Ismael, who voiced his support following a loss to Ipswich, club owners and executives expressed reservations, especially prioritizing supporter experience and budget concerns.
Norwich City manager Philippe Clement recently highlighted his frustration after a controversial penalty decision against his team, voicing a desire for VAR to ensure “the right decisions” were made. However, the reservations around the new technology persist, particularly regarding its ability to effectively reduce match stoppages. Data from the last two Premier League rounds revealed that referees consulted the pitchside monitor only twice across 20 fixtures, raising further doubts about the proposed system’s efficiency.
As the debate around officiating technology evolves, the Championship remains a testing ground for potential innovations. With discussions of FVS deferring into the future, the complexities of integrating video technology into football will continue to spark conversation and introspection among clubs and fans alike, as the quest for a fairer game unfolds.
