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EFL clubs make final decision on video challenges being first step towards VAR
Apr 21 2026 18:10 · By John Cross/Chief Football Writer · 10 Reads
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EFL clubs have rejected bringing in the “coach’s challenge” as part of a move towards VAR.
The EFL have confirmed that the PGMO (Professional Game Match Officials) made a presentation to the Football Video Support (FVS) at their latest clubs’ meeting. They then surveyed clubs for feedback and Championship teams believe not having video technology makes them different from the Premier League where there has been such a big fan backlash against VAR.
FVS is the system whereby managers effectively get two challenges per match and decisions can be viewed on video by the officials.
The system is already being trialed in Italy, Malta and Spain and is effectively a scaled down Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system which could be used in the EFL.
Tennis has used a challenge system for years where players can challenge decisions and keep their appeals if successful but use one up if not.
Goal line technology is used in the Championship and could be brought in to League One next season but the EFL is clearly giving further technology a thumbs down.
The International FA Board (Ifab) is undertaking a two-year review of VAR and the Football Association will also push for a trial scheme.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said recently: “It changes the dynamic. It reduces the amount of times when there is a VAR intervention and effectively puts the onus on the coach.
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"That's something which we might continue to learn as we trial that model. Parts of the game [that use FVS] fundamentally can't afford for VAR at the moment. But that doesn't mean it's necessarily the wrong model for the future.”
Meanwhile, the other key trial going on - Arsene Wenger's daylight offside rule - was used for the first time in Canada last weekend.
Pacific FC striker Alejandro Diaz has scored the first goal allowed under the new rule in the Canadian Premier League.
Former Arsenal boss Wenger, Fifa's chief of global football development, has championed it to give advantage back to attackers.
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