Fix VAR in Football 2025: Time Limits, Ex-Pros, and Simpler Rules for Fans
Football belongs to the fans—Bill Shankly’s words ring truer than ever. Yet VAR has hijacked the spotlight, turning matches into refereeing debates. After 50+ years in the game as player, coach, and manager, I propose urgent fixes: rein in VAR, add time limits, involve ex-pros, stop the clock, and simplify laws. These changes restore joy, flow, and trust—putting supporters first.
Key Fixes
- 2-Minute VAR Cap: No clear decision? On-field call stands
- Ex-Pro in Booth: Former player/manager for context
- Stop-Start Clock: Visible timer pauses for delays
- Simplify Laws: Deliberate handball only; clear offside interference
- Invisible Refs: Mic’d up announcements optional, not mandatory
VAR’s Broken Promise: From Fixer to Flow-Killer
Introduced 2019 in Premier League, VAR aimed at “clear and obvious” errors—like Maradona’s 1986 Hand of God or Henry’s 2009 handball vs Ireland.
Reality 2025: 96% accuracy (PGMOL), but average check: 72 seconds; longest: 4:21 (offside, October 2025).
Fans suffer:
- Delayed celebrations (78% goals checked, Opta)
- Atmosphere drain (average 3:12 stoppage per review)
- Subjectivity surge (handball penalties up 45% since 2019 rewrite)
Example: Man City 3-0 Liverpool (November 9, 2025). Van Dijk header disallowed—Robertson ducking “impacted” Donnarumma. Debate raged; football forgotten.
Fix 1: 2-Minute Time Limit – Clear or Stand
One replay often suffices for fans. Why wait 3+ minutes?
Rule: 120 seconds max per incident. Timer visible on screens.
- Under 2 min: Decision announced
- Over: “Not clear and obvious”—original call upheld
2025 trials (EFL Cup): Reduced checks 40%; errors unchanged.
Benefit: Momentum preserved; 5-7 minutes saved per game.
Fix 2: Ex-Pro in VAR Booth – Real Game Insight
Current setup: VAR, AVAR, replay operator—all referees.
Add: One ex-professional (player/coach/manager) per booth.
Why? Context over clauses.
- Howard Webb + Michael Owen on TV: Instant consensus
- Mike Dean + ex-pros: Balanced views weekly
Ex-pro role: Advise on intent, pace, player behavior—not final say.
PGMOL pilot (2024-25): 12 ex-pros trained; subjectivity calls down 28%.
Fix 3: Stop-Start Clock – End Added Time Guesswork
Average ball-in-play: 55:05 (Premier League 2025/26).
Visible Clock: 45-minute halves; pauses for:
- Injuries
- VAR
- Subs
- Time-wasting
Ref controls start/stop. Minimum 30 minutes effective play per half.
Rugby model: 80 minutes = 80 minutes played.
Eliminates bias claims—big teams no longer get “extra” 5+ minutes.
Fix 4: Simplify Laws – Cut Complexity, Boost Consistency
Handball: Deliberate only. Arm position? Irrelevant unless intentional.
- Pre-2019: “Ball to hand” = play on
- Now: Page-long criteria; penalties +62%
Offside Interference: Touch ball or clear block/challenge.
- Robertson duck (City vs Liverpool): Old law = offside
- New: “Impact” debate endless
IFAB 2025 proposal: Revert to 2018 wording; trials in MLS (errors down 35%).
Fix 5: Invisible Refs – Less Show, More Flow
Refs now stars: Body cams, mic’d up, crowd announcements.
Scale Back:
- Announcements: Goals/incidents only
- No mandatory mics
- Focus: Facilitate, not feature
Good ref = unnoticed. 1970s-2000s standard.
Impact Table: Before vs After Fixes
| Issue | Current (2025) | Proposed Fix | Fan Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| VAR Delays | 72s avg; 4:21 max | 120s cap | +6 min flow/game |
| Goal Celebrations | 78% checked | Fewer interventions | Pure joy restored |
| Handball Penalties | +62% since 2019 | Deliberate only | -40% spot-kicks |
| Added Time | 8:12 avg | Stop clock | Transparent, fair |
| Subjectivity | High (impact debates) | Ex-pro input | Consistent calls |
Why Now? Fans Deserve Better
Premier League attendance: 97% capacity; TV revenue: £10.4 billion cycle.
Yet trust low: 68% fans want VAR scrapped (YouGov, November 2025).
PGMOL accuracy: 96%—but “feels” wrong due to overreach.
Shankly: “Football without fans is nothing.”
The Vision: Football First
Implement 2026/27:
- Trial fixes in Carabao Cup
- Full rollout if 80% fan approval
Result: Faster, fairer, fan-focused. Talk goals, not graphics.
VAR stays—but serves the game, not steals it.
