Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was first introduced into major leagues and international tournaments in the mid 2010s.  This introduction has created many different opinions and disagreements. VAR was designed to help referees make more accurate decisions, VAR is mostly used for the most important parts of the games like goals, penalties, and red card fouls. Some say it has truly revolutionized the game, others say it has created more problems than it solves.

The Purpose of VAR

VAR’s main purpose is to reduce the human error of important calls in games.  Things the human eye may not catch, VAR will be used to rewatch the moments and see what the correct call should be. As an example, a referee can use VAR to check if a goal was offside, or if a penalty should be awarded.  This system works at the same time as the game, with video footage reviewed by a team of assistant referees who can choose the correct calls. This technology is now used in major leagues like the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A, and international competitions as big as the World Cup.

Controversies and Criticisms

VAR was introduced to improve accuracy, but since it has been introduced, it has been far from flawless. One of the biggest criticisms of VAR is how it disrupts the flow of the game. Since VAR was introduced, almost every goal scored is checked to make sure it is allowed.  This now causes goals to be celebrated with hesitation, since players and fans wait for a VAR review to confirm the decision. Also, penalty calls are sometimes delayed while officials look at the footage, which can lead to confusion and frustration on the field and in the stands.

Another thing is the VAR reviews are not always consistent. The technology itself works well, but the Refs overall decision varies. What one referee considers a clear foul might be overlooked in another match. Fans and players have also shown concerns about the inconsistency of some decisions, mostly when determining whether a handball was on purpose or if a tackle should be a red card. These inconsistencies have led some to argue that VAR has only introduced more confusion into officiating.

The Future of VAR

As VAR continues to expand, many soccer fans are still questioning if VAR will become more consistent and less disruptive throughout the game.  Others argue that the human element of refereeing is part of what makes soccer exciting and unpredictable.

With advancements in technology and data analysis, VAR will likely become even more precise. The key to its success overall is in the hands of the Referees and their consistency with calls.