Since its introduction, VAR (Video Assistant Referee) has been one of the most talked-about elements in the Premier League. Supporters, players, and pundits have seen it evolve from a controversial experiment into a core part of match officiating. Now, entering the 2025/26 season, VAR remains a crucial—and still sometimes divisive—part of how games are decided.

Here’s a comprehensive look at how VAR will function in the Premier League this season, what’s changed, and what fans can expect in terms of usage and procedure.

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How VAR Is Used in the Premier League

The role of VAR in the Premier League is to assist the on-field referee in making clear and obvious corrections to decisions involving four key situations:

1. Goals and offences leading up to a goal
2. Penalty decisions and offences leading up to a penalty
3. Direct red card incidents
4. Cases of mistaken identity

VAR does not get involved in subjective free-kick calls, yellow cards, or minor infringements. Its purpose is to eliminate significant errors that could impact the outcome of a match.

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VAR Process: 2025/26 Protocols

The overall process hasn’t shifted dramatically in 2025/26, but the league has emphasized quicker review times and more transparency. Here’s how a typical VAR review unfolds:

• The VAR team, located at Stockley Park, constantly monitors live feeds of the match.
• If an incident occurs in one of the four reviewable categories, the VAR communicates with the on-field referee.
• The referee is notified only if the VAR believes there is a clear and obvious error.
• The referee has the option to accept the information or go to the pitchside monitor for an On-Field Review (OFR).
• Once a decision is made, the VAR room communicates the final call to the broadcast team and stadium, with supporting graphics.

The Premier League has reiterated that the final decision always rests with the on-field referee.

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Emphasis on "Minimal Interference, Maximum Benefit"

One of the guiding principles of VAR usage in England has been the desire to maintain the flow of the game. Heading into this season, officials have been instructed to keep VAR interventions efficient and only escalate to OFRs when absolutely necessary. This is intended to avoid lengthy delays while ensuring major mistakes are corrected.

For supporters, this means the league is striving to find a better balance between technological assistance and maintaining the natural rhythm of Premier League football.

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Semi-Automated Offside Technology: Still a Work in Progress

While some competitions have adopted semi-automated offside technology with live visualizations, the Premier League has taken a more cautious approach. Discussions continue about its potential integration, but for the 2025/26 season, offsides will still be determined through traditional VAR methods using calibrated lines.

The league has expressed a desire to ensure that when such technology is introduced, it will be fully optimized for speed and accuracy.

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VAR and Handball Interpretations

Handball decisions remain a focal point of VAR discussions. The laws surrounding what constitutes a handball offence have been clarified to give referees more consistency, but grey areas still exist. The league has worked on improving referee education to align interpretations, especially on accidental handballs leading to goals.

VAR will continue to intervene when handball offences are clear, but marginal or subjective calls will rely on the referee's on-field judgment unless a glaring mistake is evident.

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Transparency Efforts and Fan Experience

To combat frustration around unclear decisions, the Premier League is investing in improving how VAR communications are shared with fans. While the league hasn't adopted live audio feeds like some international competitions, efforts to enhance graphics and stadium announcements are ongoing.

Pitchside monitors will continue to play a central role, with a push for referees to personally review decisions rather than relying solely on the VAR room, offering more accountability in crucial moments.

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What to Expect in the 2025/26 Season

As the new Premier League season kicks off, VAR will remain a part of the weekly narrative. Expect to see:

• Faster resolutions for clear-cut decisions
• More consistent handball and penalty rulings
• Continued debate over subjective calls, especially in physical challenges
• Ongoing discussions about the future of offside technology

While VAR isn’t perfect, its role in improving the accuracy of major decisions is now firmly embedded in the game. The challenge, as always, will be finding that fine line between precision and preserving the Premier League’s renowned pace and intensity.