Championship clubs reject simplified Football Video Support for next season | OneFootball

Championship clubs have rejected the introduction of Football Video Support, a simplified alternative to VAR, for next season.

According to L'Équipe, the English Football League put the proposal to clubs last month, then canvassed opinion for several weeks before it was voted down.

Trialled in several FIFA competitions, FVS works differently from the full VAR model. It is designed for leagues with smaller budgets that lack the number of cameras needed for constant monitoring. Instead, managers get two challenges per match to review major incidents such as goals, penalties, straight red cards or mistaken identity, keeping a challenge if successful.

Cheaper and lighter to run than VAR, the system had been seen as a credible option for the Championship, which currently only uses goal-line technology and operates with fewer resources than the Premier League.

A majority of clubs preferred to keep the current set-up, despite calls from some managers and players for video assistance. Some executives fear extra stoppages, fresh controversy and a loss of flow in a division known for its intensity. Others regard referee-only decision making as part of the league’s identity.

The topic could return in future seasons. For now, the second tier will remain without VAR, even in pared-back form.

Source: L'Équipe