English clubs reject VAR challenge system in the Championship

English Football League (EFL) clubs have opposed bringing in a VAR challenge system for managers in the Championship.

Sky Sports News understands the idea was proposed by refereeing governing body PGMO.

But after a demo last month, there will continue to be no VAR in the EFL next season, just goal-line technology in the Championship.

Goal-line technology, which judges if the ball has crossed the goal line, will continue and has been in place in the Championship for a number of years.

VAR (video assistant referee) was introduced in the Premier League in the 2019/20 season to check key moments such as goals, penalties and red cards.

It remains very controversial and many fans say it's made matches less enjoyable.

Players delaying celebrations and standing around while video is checked for a potential foul has become a regular part of matches.

A survey of 8,000 fans last month by the Football Supporters' Association found 75% were against VAR and 90% disagreed it had improved the Premier League match-day experience.

Nonetheless, the game's lawmakers have extended VAR's remit and from this summer competitions will have the option of using it to check corners.

(c) Sky News 2026: English clubs reject VAR challenge system in the Championship