Some debates in football feel like they go in circles indefinitely.
However, a decision gets made that draws a clear line under the conversation.
That’s what has just happened with VAR in the EFL Championship.
EFL Championship clubs shut down VAR plans
According to the BBC, EFL Championship clubs have rejected the chance to introduce a video review system for next season.
This is now effectively closed for the foreseeable future, with little appetite to revisit it even a year from now.
The system being discussed wasn’t VAR as seen in the Premier League.
It was Football Video Support, an alternative requiring fewer resources, which would have given each coach two reviews per game.
However, clubs were strongly against any kind of video review system in the second tier.
They cited concerns about the impact on the matchday experience for supporters and the financial cost of implementation.
So, the vote was never even close.
However, several EFL Championship managers have publicly called for some form of video assistance in recent months.
Norwich manager Philippe Clement spoke out after his side conceded what he felt was a wrong penalty against Ipswich, saying there are “moments where I miss VAR to get the right decisions.”
Former Bristol City manager Gerhard Struber made a similar case in January, arguing that evidence shows “with VAR the decisions are better and more fair.”
However, the managers’ voices ultimately carry little weight in a vote that belongs to the clubs themselves.
And the clubs, clearly and collectively, aren’t interested.
VAR is already used in the second divisions of Spain, Italy and Germany.
Therefore, for now, that conversation is over.
The clubs have spoken clearly.
And those in charge of the game at this level have listened.
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