People are losing their love of the game because of VAR

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Since the Premier League introduced VAR in the 2019-20 season, it has generated ongoing controversy due to perceived inconsistencies and disruptive effects on the flow of the game. Despite widespread criticism and calls for greater transparency, clubs voted in 2024 to keep VAR, underscoring the challenge of balancing accuracy with the sport's emotional appeal.

Since the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the Premier League at the start of the 2019-20 season, debate over its impact on the game has intensified. Designed to reduce officiating errors and improve fairness, the system’s implementation has instead sparked ongoing controversy and dissatisfaction among fans, players, and officials.

VAR was initially promoted as a tool that would minimize human error, make refereeing decisions less visible, and preserve the flow and enjoyment of football. However, after nearly five years, many observers argue that it has produced the opposite effect. Critics say VAR has not eliminated mistakes but added layers of confusion and frustration, particularly around contentious offside calls and penalty decisions.

Recent high-profile incidents exemplify the challenges. For instance, during a Manchester derby at Old Trafford, a late winning goal by Manchester City's Erling Haaland was allowed to stand despite questions over Enzo Fernandez’s offside position and perceived interference with play. The Premier League’s officiating body, Pro Referee (ProRef), acknowledged that while Fernandez did not touch the ball, his position and actions could have influenced the outcome. However, the VAR team did not refer the decision back to the on-field referee, Michael Oliver, for a personal review. Oliver, considered one of the country’s top referees, was reportedly excluded from this key part of the decision-making process, raising concerns about the system sidelining experienced officials.

This decision has intensified criticism of VAR’s operations and its impact on the game. Opponents argue that VAR disrupts the spontaneity and emotional immediacy inherent to football. Fans have expressed frustration with delayed celebrations and an increased focus on technical rulings rather than the players’ performances. Furthermore, some feel that the complexity and opacity of VAR rulings have eroded trust in the system and fostered divisiveness among supporters and clubs.

The Premier League’s Key Match Incidents panel has highlighted a series of controversial moments this season, including penalties awarded or withheld in debatable circumstances, which have drawn calls for greater transparency and consistency from managers and analysts alike. Incidents such as Nottingham Forest’s debated penalty against Liverpool and an unpunished challenge in Aston Villa’s match against Arsenal have exemplified the ongoing challenges in applying the laws of the game through VAR.

Despite some calls from fans and pundits for the Premier League to abandon VAR entirely, clubs voted overwhelmingly in 2024 to retain the technology for the foreseeable future. Supporters of VAR maintain that it brings a necessary level of scrutiny and accountability to refereeing decisions, even if the system requires further refinement to function optimally.

As the debate continues, the Premier League faces pressure to balance the desire for accuracy with maintaining the emotional appeal and rhythm of football. Critics warn that persistent controversies risk alienating fans and diminishing the sport’s appeal, while proponents argue that human error cannot be eradicated but can be mitigated with improved use of technology. The ongoing challenge will be to ensure that VAR supports both fairness and the fundamental excitement of the game.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.