The Role of Video Assistant Referees (VAR) in Football: Advantages and Disadvantages - SportsLounge

In the modern era of football, technology plays an increasingly significant role in ensuring the fairness and accuracy of the game. Introducing the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system is one of the most notable advancements. Introduced by FIFA in 2018, the VAR aims to assist on-field referees in making better decisions by providing them with video replay technology. While its implementation was met with high hopes, it has also sparked debates, raising questions about whether VAR enhances or diminishes the sport.

What is VAR?

The VAR system is a technology-driven referee support system that helps officials make correct decisions in four key match-changing situations:

1. Goals – VAR checks if there were any infringements leading up to a goal (e.g., offside or handball).
2. Penalty decisions – It assists in confirming or overturning penalty calls.
3. Direct red card incidents – VAR reviews decisions involving serious foul play or violent conduct.
4. Mistaken identity – It helps the referee determine if the wrong player was booked or sent off.

A team of officials in a remote location reviews video footage of on-field incidents and communicates with the referee, who can then watch the replay on a pitch-side monitor before confirming or changing their decision.

Advantages of VAR

1. Improved Accuracy in Decision-Making

VAR helps reduce human error in crucial moments. For instance, during the 2018 World Cup final between France and Croatia, a controversial handball by Ivan Perišić was missed by the on-field referee. However, VAR was used to review the incident, leading to a penalty that helped France secure their win. Without VAR, such a vital moment might have gone unnoticed.

2. Fairness and Justice

VAR ensures that goals are awarded or denied correctly, leading to a more just outcome. A classic example is the 2019 Champions League quarter-final between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur. In the dying minutes, Raheem Sterling scored what seemed to be a last-gasp winner for Manchester City. However, VAR identified an offside in the build-up to the goal, disallowing it and sending Tottenham through to the semi-finals. In this instance, the system ensured a correct but controversial decision.

3. Reduction of Controversial Decisions

The use of VAR has helped decrease the number of disputes surrounding refereeing errors, particularly in major competitions. In the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, VAR was praised for its ability to overturn incorrect calls, ensuring the tournament was more transparent and fair.

4. Enhancing the Integrity of the Game

VAR promotes transparency, as fans and players can see the decision-making process through replays. In a 2020 Serie A match between Juventus and Inter Milan, a goal scored by Cristiano Ronaldo was initially allowed. Still, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was disallowed due to a minor offside, highlighting how closely VAR scrutinizes key moments to protect the integrity of the game.

Disadvantages of VAR

1. Delays and Interruptions in the Flow of the Game

One of the most common criticisms of VAR is how it disrupts the natural flow of the match. In the 2022 English Premier League (EPL) season, there were multiple incidents where fans and players were left waiting for several minutes for a decision to be made. For example, a match between Manchester United and Chelsea saw a five-minute delay while the referee reviewed a penalty decision. These interruptions often frustrate players, coaches, and spectators, dampening the excitement of the game.

2. Subjectivity in Certain Decisions

Despite its technological precision, VAR decisions can still be subjective. A clear case occurred during the 2020 Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton, where a goal by Jordan Henderson was ruled offside by the slightest of margins. The incident sparked outrage as many felt the decision was too marginal to warrant intervention, leading to debates on the fine line between fact and interpretation in offside calls.

3. Over-reliance on Technology

VAR can sometimes undermine the authority and instinctive judgment of on-field referees, as they may become overly reliant on reviewing video footage. In the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), there was a situation where the referee stopped play multiple times to consult VAR on minor incidents, causing frustration among fans and players who felt the game was becoming more about technology than the human element of refereeing.

4. Inconsistent Use Across Competitions

VAR has been inconsistently applied in various leagues and tournaments, causing confusion and frustration. For example, during the 2021 Copa America, there were instances where certain fouls were reviewed while similar incidents in other games were ignored. This inconsistency leaves players, coaches, and fans questioning the uniformity of VAR’s application across the footballing world.

Real-World Examples of VAR Use

1. 2018 World Cup Final – Croatia vs. France: VAR awarded France a penalty after detecting a handball by Croatia’s Ivan Perišić, which was missed by the on-field referee.
2. 2019 Champions League Quarter-final – Manchester City vs. Tottenham: Raheem Sterling’s potential match-winning goal was ruled out for offside by VAR in a dramatic finish.
3. 2020 Merseyside Derby – Everton vs. Liverpool: VAR’s marginal offside call on Jordan Henderson’s goal stirred controversy, showing the fine line of interpretation in tight situations.
4. 2022 AFCON – Over-reliance on VAR during the tournament led to delayed decisions and interruptions, impacting the flow of matches.

What Do You Think?

The introduction of VAR has undeniably changed football. While it has contributed to more accurate decisions, it has also brought its own set of challenges. Supporters believe that VAR brings fairness and transparency to the sport, ensuring that referees are accountable and that mistakes are minimized. Critics, however, argue that the delays and interruptions kill the momentum and joy of the game, and the system’s subjectivity in certain areas still leaves room for controversy.

What do you think? Does VAR improve the game by making it more fair, or does it take away from the excitement of football? Share your thoughts!