The introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in soccer has been one of the most controversial and debated changes to the sport in recent years. While designed to eliminate clear errors by officials and ensure fairness, its inconsistent use and delay in making decisions have drawn heavy criticism from fans, players and coaches alike. Yet, VAR is here to stay and will continue to evolve. This article examines the workings, advantages and criticisms of soccer’s VAR system.
What is VAR and How Does it Work?
VAR stands for Video Assistant Referee. It is a match official who reviews decisions made by the head referee using video footage from multiple camera angles around the stadium. VAR was first trialed in 2016 and subsequently introduced by FIFA for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Here is a brief overview of how VAR operates during a soccer match:
- The VAR official is stationed in a video operation room with access to different camera feeds of the match. The VAR communicates with the head referee via headset.
- The VAR system is only used to review major incidents relating to goals, penalties, red cards and mistaken identity.
- If the VAR official spots a ‘clear and obvious error’ in any of these situations, they advise the head referee to review the video replay footage on a sideline monitor before deciding whether to reverse their initial call.
- The final decision always rests with the head referee. They can insist on reviewing the footage themselves even if the VAR official does not recommend an on-field review.
| VAR Reviewable Incidents | Goal | Penalty | Red Card | Mistaken Identity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original Decision by Referee | Allowed | Awarded | Issued | Wrong player identified |
| Potential VAR Overturn | Disallow goal | Cancel penalty | Overturn red card | Correct player identified |
Proponents of VAR Claim it Eliminates Blatant Refereeing Mistakes
Advocates of VAR argue that the system rectifies clear refereeing errors that often determine key moments and results in matches. In theory, VAR ensures only factually correct decisions are made for goals, penalties, red cards and player identity.
According to statistics from the 2022 FIFA World Cup, VAR overruled initial calls in 60 incidents during the 64 matches. This led to several goals disallowed, penalties awarded or canceled, and red cards overturned. Without VAR, these wrong decisions could have unfairly affected match outcomes and tournament progressions.
FIFA claims the VAR system has been ‘close to perfect’ in correcting factual officiating errors based on video evidence. They argue this enhances fairness for teams and brings more accurate outcomes.
Criticisms of VAR – Delays, Confusion and Inconsistency
Despite the aim of eliminating officiating mistakes, VAR has drawn intense criticism from pundits and fans since its introduction.
The main complaints include:
- Excessive delays – The VAR review process takes too long, with decisions sometimes taking over 3-4 minutes. This ruins the flow of matches for players and fans.
- Confusion around VAR decisions – Referees do not adequately explain VAR review outcomes to managers and spectators in-stadium. Fans watching on TV also find the process unclear and chaotic at times.
- Inconsistency in usage – VAR appears to be applied unevenly, with subjective ‘reviews’ in some games but not others. There is a lack of clarity around which incidents qualify for review.
- Minimal impact – Studies suggest VAR has not significantly increased accurate decision making. One analysis found only a 5% improvement after 600 VAR reviews.
- Against the spirit of the game – Some say VAR technology goes against the continuous free-flowing nature of soccer by interrupting that rhythm and emotion. Stoppages can diminish fans’ live experience.
While designed to increase fairness, VAR is seen by critics as doing the opposite and undermining the spontaneity of soccer. Ongoing improvements are required to enhance consistency and efficiency if VAR is to be widely accepted.
Possible Improvements to Enhance the VAR System
Given the extensive criticism surrounding soccer’s VAR system, what can be done to improve it? Here are some suggested enhancements:
- Establish a time limit – FIFA could implement a 60-90 second limit for VAR reviews to prevent excessive delays. This would reduce disruption to the match.
- Increase communication – Referees should clarify VAR decisions to players, managers and spectators during reviews using stadium screens and announcements. This would reduce confusion.
- Standardize usage parameters – Clearer direction is needed on which incidents qualify for VAR review versus referee judgment calls. This would drive more consistency in usage.
- Limit use of pitch-side monitors – Reviews via the referee’s earpiece could replace excessive monitor checks to prevent unnecessary delays. Monitors could be reserved for game-changing situations like penalties and red cards.
- Refine technology – Upgrading cameras and software to enable faster and higher-quality video replays could enhance decision making accuracy.
- Consider introducing VAR officials – Dedicated video assistant referees separate from on-field officials could improve the decision review process.
While not perfect, tweaks like time limits, enhanced communication, and specialized personnel represent ways VAR could become quicker, clearer and more consistent.
The VAR Debate Will Continue But the System is Here to Stay
Like any major change, soccer’s adoption of VAR was never going to please everyone. The subjective nature of refereeing decisions means inconsistencies will remain, even with video review.
However, VAR in some form is here to stay. Regulating bodies believe the system reduces substantial refereeing errors on fact-based decisions and makes the game generally fairer as a result.
So, with further refinements to improve efficiency, transparency and parameters for usage, VAR has the potential to benefit soccer in the long run. But the debate around its merits will undoubtedly continue for some time as fans, players and officials adjust to this disruptive but seemingly irreversible shift in the modern game.