Game changer or game breaker – should the Championship introduce VAR?

By Martin Graham

The pain of a VAR intervention was perhaps never sharper than on 24 May 2025, when Sheffield United supporters saw their side’s second goal in the Championship play-off final ruled out. At Wembley, Harrison Burrows thought he had doubled the Blades’ lead against Sunderland, only for the decision to be overturned after a review judged Vinicius Souza to be obstructing goalkeeper Anthony Patterson’s view.

At 2-0, Chris Wilder’s team looked firmly in control and on course for promotion. Instead, that moment became the only time VAR was used in the entire campaign, turning the match on its head and opening the door for a Sunderland comeback.

Wilder later questioned the call, arguing the goalkeeper was unlikely to reach the shot regardless, and highlighted the frustration of such a subjective verdict appearing after a long season without the technology. Sunderland went on to score twice in the final 20 minutes, sealing a 2-1 victory and a return to the Premier League after eight years, leaving open the possibility that, without VAR, the outcome could have been very different.

Managers divided over fairness and impact

The debate around introducing VAR across the Championship has intensified during the 2025-26 season, with several controversial refereeing calls prompting renewed discussion. Former Bristol City head coach Gerhard Struber admitted he is not an admirer of the system but still believes it would lead to more accurate outcomes.

Struber’s stance reflects a broader tension: the desire for fairness against concerns over the matchday experience. He argued that a league as competitive and high-profile as the Championship should benefit from the same technological support seen elsewhere, especially when lower divisions in other countries already use it.

Valerien Ismael also backed its implementation, calling the need “urgent” in order to avoid repeated officiating errors. Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic echoed those views after his team conceded what he described as a clearly offside goal, claiming that managers across the division largely support the move.

Atmosphere, identity and the fan experience

Not everyone is convinced. Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom, despite acknowledging VAR could have changed results in his favour, criticised its broader influence on the game. He argued that it introduces unnecessary interference and damages the atmosphere inside stadiums, even though it might correct obvious mistakes such as a goal scored with the aid of a hand.

Having worked in the Premier League, Heckingbottom also pointed out the contrast between divisions, suggesting promoted teams must suddenly adapt to a different refereeing environment. Derby County head coach John Eustace shared concerns that introducing VAR could dilute the physical nature of the Championship, warning against turning matches into something overly cautious.

Supporters appear even more firmly opposed. In a BBC Sport poll, 82% of respondents rejected the idea of VAR in the second tier, with many fans preferring the immediacy and emotion of the current experience. Some argued that football should remain an entertainment spectacle, where human error is part of the drama, rather than a process dictated by marginal technical decisions.

Practical challenges and future possibilities

Beyond opinions, implementing VAR in the Championship would present significant logistical and financial hurdles. All 24 stadiums would need to be equipped with the necessary technology, while the Professional Game Match Officials Limited would have to expand its pool of trained officials.

The English Football League has confirmed that the issue remains under review, with ongoing discussions involving clubs. One alternative being considered is the International Football Association Board’s Football Video Support system, which allows coaches a limited number of challenges per match and is currently being tested in several countries.

Any decision will ultimately depend on multiple factors, including cost, infrastructure, and the effect on supporters and broadcasters. Crucially, a majority of Championship clubs would need to approve any change before it could be introduced.