Clubs in the EFL Championship have voted against the introduction of a VAR-style system, opting not to adopt Football Video Support (FVS) for the 2026/27 season.
The proposed system, a simplified alternative to the Video Assistant Referee, was designed to operate with fewer resources while allowing coaches to request up to two reviews per match. It had been scheduled for possible rollout from August.
The initiative was presented by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited during the English Football League annual meeting last month. Following the presentation, clubs were consulted on whether to proceed with its implementation.
However, sources indicate that the response from Championship sides was overwhelmingly negative, with a clear majority rejecting any form of video review technology at that level.
As a result, the proposal has now been shelved indefinitely and is not expected to return for consideration in the near future.
Despite the decision, goal-line technology will remain in use across the Championship.
Meanwhile, a separate financial review is expected ahead of a June vote to determine whether the system should be extended to League One.
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The debate over video technology had drawn mixed reactions from managers within the division.
Philippe Clement of Norwich City previously expressed support for its introduction, citing missed decisions in key moments, while former Bristol City boss Gerhard Struber argued earlier that VAR improves fairness and accuracy in officiating.
Nonetheless, many clubs raised concerns over the potential impact on matchday experience, as well as the financial burden of implementing such technology.
The outcome means the Championship will continue without video-assisted refereeing, unlike top leagues in countries such as Spain, Italy, and Germany, where VAR is already widely used, including in some second-tier competitions.