EFL and Technology, Are VAR and Goal-line Technology Required?

The simple answer would be yes. But it is more complicated than that. Technology will help iron out small mistakes during the matches. As seen in the Premier League – VAR and Goal-line technology allows the referees to make fair calls.

What are EFL’s thoughts on this matter, and will we ever see VAR in the leagues below the Premier League ever?

EFL and VAR

According to EFL, there is no immediate plan to introduce VAR to the Championship, League One, or League Two in the near future. Introducing VAR would be very expensive for the lower leagues.

There have been talks about introducing a low-cost alternative to VAR in the Championship. That way, technology can slowly be integrated into the lower leagues. The Championship is one of the most competitive leagues in the World, and a lot rides on the fact where the teams finish in the league.

A team missing out on a promotion because of an incorrect call may end up costing that team to miss out on hundreds of millions of pounds. It is too big a risk for EFL to not at least consider bringing in technology to help out the referees.  

EFL Clubs Demands

For a time now, EFL clubs have asked the league authorities to introduce some sort of technology. Neil Warnock, when he used to manage Middlesborough, once ran onto the pitch to complain about refereeing decisions that cost his side points.

Norwich once complained about referee Darren England for his inapt performances in the league, and also for the lack of help the referees get during the games to make important decisions.

There have been numerous incidents where referees and linesmen have missed clear penalty decisions, or the ball crossed the line, but the goal didn’t stand because EFL does not have goal-line technology.

There have also been incidents when red cards have been given, which could have been overturned had there been VAR and also vice versa.

The main cause of concern is the offside decision; offside is easily the biggest talking point without VAR. Linesmen are human, and they are bound to get some of the offside decisions wrong. But those decisions affect the teams, and ultimately those decisions might affect the promotion or relegation of a particular team.   

“VAR Light” Being Discussed

There have been talks amongst the PGMOL and EFL about introducing VAR Light for the league below the Premier League. Although offside decisions won’t be included in this technology, it will be used to assist referees in going back and checking some of the contentious decisions in the game.

Controversy does bring more eyeballs, and lack of technology will keep the interest high in these leagues. Now, the technology is expensive to bring into the lower league, but it will help the clubs massively to make the right decisions.

Also, if there is any place that can afford technology in leagues below the top division, then that is English Football.

At the end of the day, technology is needed to eradicate small mistakes from our beloved game. Small mistakes can have a ripple effect later on and that needs to be addressed. EFL can at least start with goal-line technology and then take it from there. Every small improvement will also have a good ripple effect. EFL just needs to start from somewhere.