Since its large-scale introduction at the 2018 World Cup, VAR (Video Assistant Referee) has dramatically changed the landscape of global football (soccer in the U.S.). While this technology promises to make the game fairer, it has also sparked passionate debates. Is VAR truly a revolution, or is it just a source of controversy ?
Understanding VAR : How It Works and Its Objectives.
VAR is a technological tool designed to help referees review contentious decisions during matches. It relies on real-time video analysis, conducted by a dedicated team in a control room. This team informs the on-field referee when a situation requires review.
When Is VAR Used ?
- Goals: It checks whether there was a foul or offside in the build-up to the goal.
- Penalties: It confirms or overturns penalty decisions when there is doubt.
- Direct red cards: It identifies violent or dangerous behavior.
- Mistaken identity: It corrects confusion, such as assigning a foul to the wrong player.
The Advantages of VAR : A Step Forward for Football
- Reducing Referee Errors
One of VAR’s primary goals is to minimize human error. Before its introduction, controversial decisions often marked football history, leading to frustration and debates. Thanks to VAR, major injustices—such as offside goals or non-existent penalties—are now avoidable.
- Reduced Pressure on Referees
Referees benefit from essential support through VAR. In cases of doubt, they can rely on video footage to confirm or correct their decisions. This significantly reduces the pressure on referees when making crucial calls.
- A Fairer Game
With VAR, players are more likely to adhere to the rules, knowing their actions are being monitored. Simulation or deliberate fouls are more easily detected, making the game fairer overall.
Controversies Surrounding VAR
Despite its advantages, VAR remains a source of criticism among both players and fans.
- Loss of Game Flow
One of the main criticisms of VAR is its impact on the flow of the game. Frequent interruptions to review actions can last several minutes, disrupting the rhythm of the match and frustrating spectators.
- Decisions Still Open to Dispute
Even with video footage, some decisions remain open to interpretation. For example, handballs in the penalty area or minor fouls are judged differently by different referees. This subjectivity fuels debates and controversies.
- Unequal Access to the Technology
Not all leagues and clubs have the resources to implement VAR. This lack of uniformity creates disparities, particularly in international competitions where some players compete in environments without VAR.
- Delayed or Inappropriate Use
VAR is not always used at the right moment. Some contentious actions go unreviewed, while others are reviewed unnecessarily. This creates confusion among fans, who struggle to understand why certain obvious fouls are missed by the technology.
Why Does VAR Cause So Much Division ?
VAR touches on the very essence of football: its unpredictability. Some purists believe that human error is an inherent part of the sport, and that technology undermines this authentic aspect. On the other hand, others argue that modern football cannot do without such advancements, especially considering the growing financial stakes.
Another source of division lies in the transparency of decisions. Unlike other sports like rugby, where referee communications are broadcast live, discussions around VAR are often opaque. This lack of communication fuels public frustration and distrust.
How Can VAR Be Improved ?
For VAR to be better accepted, several adjustments could be considered:
- Shorten Decision Times: Simplifying protocols could help maintain the flow of the game.
- Increase Communication with Spectators: Broadcasting the exchanges between referees and making decisions more transparent.
- Standardize Use: Implement global standards to avoid disparities between competitions.
A Revolution in Need of Refinement.
VAR has undoubtedly brought more fairness to football by eliminating some glaring mistakes. However, it remains a tool in need of refinement, both in its implementation and in its acceptance by the various stakeholders in the game. With adjustments, it could evolve into a true revolution, living up to its original ambitions.
For now, VAR stands at the intersection of technological progress and ongoing controversy, reflecting the tension between tradition and modernity in the world of football.
