Since the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology was officially applied to football, it has become a hot topic, not only on the field but also in discussions among fans, experts and sports managers. VAR is expected to be a breakthrough in improving the fairness of matches, helping referees make more accurate decisions. However, besides the benefits it brings, VAR has also caused a lot of controversy, especially about how it is applied and its impact on the pace of the match. So, is VAR really a valuable improvement or just a source of unnecessary controversy?

VAR: The Savior of Fairness on the Field

Before VAR was introduced, football was plagued with controversial situations where referee decisions could not be reviewed. Offside goals, handballs in the penalty area, or obvious but overlooked fouls had changed the outcome of many important matches. With the introduction of VAR, it was hoped that these errors would be significantly reduced, bringing a fairer playing field for all teams.

VAR allows referees to review key incidents on video from multiple angles, allowing them to make more accurate decisions. This has helped prevent serious mistakes that could change the outcome of a match. For example, a goal that was scored from an offside position that the referee did not notice can now be detected and disallowed by VAR, ensuring fairness for both teams.

Not only that, VAR also helps protect players from making wrong decisions that lead to unnecessary penalties. When referees can review foul situations from multiple angles, they can make more accurate decisions, avoiding situations where they over- or under-handle.

Controversies Surrounding VAR: Too Much or Not Enough?

However, despite its many benefits, VAR has also created its fair share of controversy. One of the biggest points of contention is that the use of VAR can disrupt the natural flow of the game. When the referee stops the game to review a situation through VAR, it can disrupt the continuity and rhythm of the game, making viewers feel interrupted and less excited.

Not only that, deciding when to use VAR and when not to use it is also a problem. There are situations where VAR is used but the result does not change the referee’s original decision, which makes many people question the necessity of VAR in such cases. Conversely, there are situations where VAR is not used, leading to wrong decisions by the referee, causing frustration for teams and fans.

VAR has also been criticised for creating an over-reliance on technology. Rather than trusting the referee’s ability and judgement, some argue that VAR has made referees passive, waiting for technology to confirm rather than making decisions themselves. This could reduce the referee’s independence and discretion on the pitch.

Does VAR Really Bring Absolute Fairness?

One of the biggest expectations of VAR is to bring absolute fairness to football matches. However, reality shows that even when using VAR, there are still controversial situations and disagreements between the parties involved. This is especially evident in offside situations or minor fouls, where the referee’s decision after consulting VAR can still cause conflicting opinions.

A classic example is “near-offside” situations, where only a small part of a player’s body is over the offside line, but VAR’s decision is still based on extremely precise digital lines. This leads to goals being ruled out that many consider unfair, as the difference is so small that it may not actually affect the ball.

Furthermore, VAR cannot solve all issues related to fairness. Situations where the laws of football are still ambiguous or unclear can still lead to controversial decisions, even when VAR is used. This shows that technology can only assist to a certain extent, and cannot completely replace human judgment.

VAR and its Impact on Viewer Emotions

Football is not just a sport, it is also a source of great emotion for millions of fans around the world. When VAR was introduced, many people were concerned that it would reduce the appeal and drama of the matches. Stopping the match to review incidents could lose the suspense and surprise, important elements that make football attractive.

Furthermore, waiting for a decision from VAR can also cause unnecessary stress and pressure for both players and fans. Instead of celebrating immediately when their team scores, fans now have to wait for VAR to confirm the goal, which can take away from the immediate joy and excitement.

However, there are those who believe that VAR brings a new element to football, helping to increase transparency and fairness. For them, waiting for a decision from VAR does not reduce the excitement but on the contrary, it adds tension and drama to the match.

VAR And The Future Of Football

VAR is part of a global trend of using technology to improve and optimize sports. Although controversial, there is no denying that VAR has brought significant changes to football, especially in terms of increasing fairness and transparency. However, for VAR to truly become a useful and non-controversial tool, improvements and adjustments need to be made to the way it is applied.

This includes training referees to use VAR more effectively, ensuring that the technology is only used when absolutely necessary and does not disrupt the flow of play. In addition, there needs to be consensus and consistency in the application of VAR, to minimize unnecessary controversy.

With the constant development of technology, VAR will certainly continue to be improved and perfected. However, the question of whether VAR is an improvement or a source of controversy will still be an open topic, requiring time and adaptation from both players and fans.

Conclusion: VAR – A Technology Full of Potential But Still Controversial

VAR has played a significant role in modern football, bringing many benefits but also many controversies. It has improved the fairness of matches, but has also raised new issues related to the pace of the game, the dependence on technology and the emotions of the audience. For VAR to be truly effective and reduce controversies, there needs to be adjustments in the way referees are applied and trained, as well as acceptance and adaptation from the fans.

Football, with or without VAR, will still be the king of sports with the intense emotions it brings. VAR may be a valuable improvement, but to become an indispensable part of football, it needs to be applied reasonably and thoughtfully, so as not to lose the appeal and spirit of this sport.