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Critics of VAR in the Premier League, a vocal and growing contingent, have been handed fresh ammunition against the technology's implementation in English football. According to an Opta study, Premier League fans have collectively spent 1,126 minutes waiting for decisions from officials at Stockley Park. This staggering figure equates to nearly 12 full football matches.
Spain's La Liga ranks second in this metric, with VAR-related decision delays totaling 1,086 minutes.
Data collected across the 2017-2025 seasons reveals that Italy's Serie A experienced 823 minutes of stoppages, while Germany's Bundesliga saw 604 minutes.
While the data indicates that the average VAR check takes just 58.3 seconds, a survey of 1,600 football fans found that 23% believe it actually takes a minimum of 90 seconds.
Arsenal has been the club most frequently involved in VAR incidents. Matches featuring the 'Gunners' have recorded 78 interventions requiring VAR, leading to 80 minutes of delays.
A study commissioned by OnePoll.com revealed that 36% of fans feel VAR has made watching football less enjoyable. Meanwhile, 18% reported that VAR decisions have led to arguments with friends or family, and 37% believe it has made football too slow.
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