Premier League referees 'losing faith' in VAR changes after Man City fiascoPremier League refs have lost faith in the semi-automated offside system, that was introduced this season, after a huge blunder in a recent Carabao Cup clash which led to a lengthy delayView 2 Images Premier League refs have lost faith with the semi-automated offside system - which came in this seasonPremier League referees are losing faith in the new semi-automated offside technology that was introduced for this season - with a disallowed goal for Manchester City proving to be the tipping point. However it is the Premier League that agreed a contract with provider Genius Sports on behalf of the referees’ body, PGMOL. ‌Unlike the rest of the VAR services, which use camera feeds from broadcasters, the Genius system has its own network of cameras. When it was first introduced a Premier League statement said that in “most cases” the system would “significantly decrease” delays in reaching verdicts. Article continues belowVAR has been in the Premier League since 2019 and there continues to be divided opinions on whether it has been beneficial to the game.

Source: Daily Mirror February 20, 2026 19:53 UTC