VAR introduction in football: Why ongoing controversy?

Jiten171

It is well known that in recent years, football matches have introduced a new technology—VAR, Video Assistant Referee, to assist the main referee in making decisions. This technology is commendable because referees, being human, can make errors, and some actions on the football field happen in the blink of an eye. Expecting referees to make error-free decisions in a short time is challenging. However, with VAR, referees can interrupt the game, review plays repeatedly, significantly reducing the occurrence of mistakes and making football matches fairer. The widespread adoption of VAR is evident not only in major events like the World Cup, UEFA Champions League, and top five leagues but also in many secondary matches.

However, every advantage has its disadvantage. The drawback is quite apparent: game interruptions leading to an unsmooth flow of the match, especially with the current lengthy stoppage time, often reaching 10 minutes, which is hard for fans to accept. In practice, referees reviewing VAR often need to watch replays several times, even a dozen times, before making a decision, causing delays of several minutes. Recent reports even mentioned a Premier League match where the referee reviewed the VAR 24 times, and the resulting decision remained controversial. This not only affects the smoothness of the game but also raises doubts about the actual effectiveness of VAR.

Some football legends have recently called for the abolition of VAR, arguing that complete elimination of errors in football matches is impossible. Referees, like players, should be allowed a certain margin for error, especially since for some actions, VAR does not guarantee a 100% correct decision. Moreover, for over a hundred years, football matches were exciting without VAR, they argue.

Cancellation of VAR technology is unlikely, at least not in the short term. After all, it does help referees reduce many errors. As for its drawbacks, legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson foresaw and suggested a solution back in 2005: if VAR cannot make a decision within 30 seconds, the game should continue. This might be an effective way to balance the conflict between tradition and technology.

Indra55

I think no matter how it's done, there will still be controversy...

Jatin255

Advantages:
1. Reduction of Obvious Errors: VAR technology assists referees in avoiding some glaring mistakes, ensuring a fairer outcome.
2. Enhancement of Game Fairness: By minimizing erroneous decisions, VAR contributes to increased fairness in matches, placing greater emphasis on team strength and performance.

Disadvantages:
1. Decreased Game Fluidity: The introduction of VAR leads to increased stoppage time, diminishing the smooth flow of the game, making it less acceptable.
2. Controversies Persist: Despite VAR, certain decisions remain contentious, as referees may have different interpretations while reviewing replays.

In conclusion, VAR technology has made strides in improving referee proficiency and fairness in games but requires continuous refinement in practice to address some of the challenges introduced by its implementation.

Jiger955

VAR has resulted in fewer goals, now, scoring big is too difficult.

Kamal531

After all, sometimes this can be a bit dehumanizing.

Kahn332

Keeping up with technological advancements is essential. Personally, I think VAR makes things better, more fair. Perhaps, we can find solutions for the timing aspect.