Premier League averages 4m12s per VAR delay — slowest in Europe, new 2025/26 data shows

VAR overturns down 17.5%, but verified errors up 30% as BT4Y Data Lab tracks 47+ overturns and rising decision volatility

LONDON, UK — 26 February 2026

New analysis of the 2025/26 Premier League season reveals that England’s top flight now averages 4 minutes 12 seconds per VAR review, the longest delay among Europe’s top five leagues.

The study, compiled by the sports data team at BettingTips4You.com, also shows that while total VAR overturns have fallen 17.5% season-on-season, the number of Key Match Incidents (KMI) Panel-verified errors has risen 30%, increasing from 10 to 13.

The findings form part of the site’s ongoing Ref & VAR Insights Data Lab project, which tracks officiating volatility, overturn rates and club-level net impact across Gameweeks 1–27.

Europe Comparison: Average VAR Delay Per Review

• Premier League — 4m 12s (slowest)

• Serie A — 3m 05s

• La Liga — 2m 50s

• Bundesliga — 2m 15s

• Ligue 1 — 1m 55s

Premier League reviews are taking nearly double the time of those in Germany’s Bundesliga.

Premier League VAR Index (GW1–27)

According to the BT4Y Data Lab:

• 47+ total VAR overturns

• 13+ official errors

• 11 overturned penalties

• 79.9% penalty conversion rate

• Evidence of rising decision volatility

While Semi-Automated Offside Technology has improved speed in certain scenarios, red-card accuracy remains a primary error area for official panels.

Club-Level “Net Impact” (GW1–27)

The Data Lab tracks controversial VAR decisions for and against clubs to identify imbalance patterns.

Highest positive net balance:

• Bournemouth (+4)

• Chelsea (+3)

• Aston Villa (+3)

• Wolves (+3)

Most negative net balance:

• Manchester United (-3)

• Liverpool (-3)

• Brentford (-3)

• Crystal Palace (-3)

“Net Balance” reflects total controversial VAR decisions for vs against clubs (BT4Y tracking).

Recent Controversy Watch (Gameweek 27)

Recent fixtures have reinforced the volatility index:

• Nottingham Forest 0–1 Liverpool: Alexis Mac Allister goal disallowed for accidental handball. Under current law, any touch by the goalscorer results in reversal, regardless of intent.

• Tottenham 1–4 Arsenal: Randal Kolo Muani goal disallowed for a soft foul on Gabriel. The decision upheld the on-field ruling, illustrating the high “clear and obvious” threshold currently applied.

Accuracy vs Time: The Core Question

Despite longer review times:

• VAR overturns are down 17.5%

• Verified errors are up 30%

• Red-card judgement remains a key concern

• Decision volatility is increasing

The data raises a fundamental question:
Is increased review time improving accuracy — or simply extending disruption without eliminating controversy?

Quote

“Fans are now waiting over four minutes per VAR review in England — longer than any other major European league. At the same time, verified errors are rising. If the trade-off is time for accuracy, the current balance suggests the system is not delivering clarity.”

— BettingTips4You.com Data Lab

Full Reports & Data Hub

Full methodology, case log and league breakdown available at:

The VAR Black Hole Report:
https://bettingtips4you.com/analysis/the-var-black-hole-premier-league-delays-data/

Ref & VAR Insights Data Lab Hub:
https://bettingtips4you.com/data-lab/ref-var/

The Data Lab hub includes overturn tracking, penalty trends, referee patterns, club-level net impact and regularly updated matchday analysis.

Notes to Editors

Source & Methodology:
Data compiled by BT4Y analysts from leading professional sources across Gameweeks 1–27 of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
“KMI-verified errors” reflect official panel publications.
“Net Balance” reflects BT4Y tracking of controversial VAR decisions for vs against clubs.
Delay measured from stoppage to final confirmed decision.

BettingTips4You.com is operated by BSpin Limited.

Media Contact
Marco Narardi
BSpin Limited
bettinspin@bspinlimited.com
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