Premier League fan groups of all 20 clubs visit VAR headquarters to voice frustrations at the handling of officiating in English football this season

Fan groups gathered at VAR headquarters Stockley Park on Friday to talk refereeing and other issues with senior figures from the Premier League and the PGMOL.

All 20 clubs had supporter representatives at the meeting, with Mail Sport told those in attendance were informed how they are seeing fewer VAR errors, shortened delays for decisions and improved communication on match days, such as big-screen replays.

Nevertheless, fans have voiced frustrations towards the handling of officiating in English football this season, and Friday’s summit afforded them their chance to air those concerns in person with the proper authorities.

One burning issue has been why semi-automated offside technology is not yet in the Premier League, despite the initial plan being to bring it in before 2025. 

The system was used impressively at Euro 2024 last summer, but has been delayed in order for the tech to go through further testing.

The Premier League updated those fans in attendance, and also the Football Supporters’ Association, on their ‘VAR Improvement Plan’, created to represent a commitment to improve understandings of the system’s purpose and processes. 

After discussing on-pitch matters with the Premier League, they were invited to visit the VAR hub, which is the heart of the PGMOL operation.

The Premier League meets regularly with the FSA and fan group representatives for discussions, including with chief executive Richard Masters and others. With the PGMOL, they also seek to gauge the views of supporters and provide updates.

It is not yet known if Masters or refereeing boss Howard Webb were among those in attendance at the Friday meeting.