VAR: Championship clubs reject Football Video Support (FVS) ahead of next season

The Championship has rejected the opportunity to utilise a variation of VAR in the division next term.

According to the BBC, clubs in the second tier of English football voted against the technology following a presentation by the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) at the EFL’s annual meeting in March.

It’s claimed the Football Video Support (FVS) assistance being offered would have required fewer resources than that used by VAR. It would also have allowed Championship managers two chances to review an in-game decision per match.

Yet the chance to introduce the tech as early as August was opposed by clubs, with the BBC adding that the concept is unlikely to be explored again any time soon.

It’s not clear at this moment how Pompey voted on the matter.

The report has emerged just days after many observers ruled that Ibane Bowat’s winner for Pompey against Leicester City on Saturday would not have stood had VAR been in place.

Indeed, his crucial goal would have been overruled after the ball struck his hand before he diverted it past Foxes keeper Asmir Begovic with his knee.

Incidentally, Pompey’s 1-0 win against Leicester City means they are likely to remain a Championship outfit for next season.

Ahead of tonight’s game against Coventry City, John Mousinho’s side sit seven points above the relegation zone with just three games remaining.

Their Championship status will be secured if Oxford United lose their match against Wrexham at the Kassam Stadium, regardless of what happens at the CBS Arena.