Football has always been a sport driven by passion, skill, and controversy. For decades, questionable refereeing decisions have fueled debates, altered match outcomes, and even shaped the history of the game. The introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has been one of the most significant technological advancements in football, aiming to enhance fairness and reduce errors. But has it truly changed the game for the better?
In this article, we’ll explore the difference the invention of VAR has brought to the game of football, examining its impact on refereeing decisions, gameplay, and fan experience.
Understanding VAR: How It Works
Before diving into the impact of VAR, it’s essential to understand how it functions. VAR is a system that assists referees in making critical match decisions by reviewing footage from multiple camera angles. The system is primarily used for four key situations:
- Goals and potential infringements (e.g., offside, handball, fouls in the build-up)
- Penalty decisions
- Direct red card incidents
- Mistaken identity in awarding cards
When a decision is in doubt, the on-field referee can consult the VAR team, who reviews the footage and advises on the best course of action. The referee can either accept the VAR team’s recommendation or view the footage on the pitch-side monitor before making a final decision.
The Positive Impact of VAR on Football
1. Increased Accuracy in Decision-Making
One of the most significant differences the invention of VAR has brought to football is improved decision-making accuracy. Before VAR, referees had to make split-second calls under immense pressure, often leading to incorrect or controversial decisions.
With VAR, referees now have the opportunity to review crucial incidents in slow motion and from multiple angles, ensuring fewer mistakes. According to FIFA, the introduction of VAR has improved the accuracy of key decisions from 93% to 98%—a remarkable difference that reduces unfair outcomes.
✅ Example: The 2018 FIFA World Cup
The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia was the first major tournament to implement VAR. The system corrected 17 incorrect on-field decisions, ensuring that the right calls were made in high-stakes situations. This showcased how VAR could positively influence major competitions.
2. Reduction in Refereeing Errors and Controversies
VAR has significantly reduced the number of high-profile errors that could change the course of a match. In the past, teams have been eliminated from tournaments due to incorrect calls, leading to widespread controversy.
🔥 Example: Frank Lampard’s Disallowed Goal (2010 FIFA World Cup)
During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, England’s Frank Lampard scored a clear goal against Germany, which was wrongly disallowed as the referee failed to see the ball cross the line. If VAR had been in use at that time, the decision would have been overturned instantly, preventing one of football’s most infamous officiating errors.
With VAR technology, such errors are now almost impossible, making the game fairer.
3. Fairer Outcomes in Matches
Football is a sport where one mistake can determine the outcome of a game. VAR ensures that teams do not suffer due to incorrect referee decisions. By minimizing human error, VAR has brought more fairness to the sport.
⚽ Example: Liverpool vs. Manchester City (2020-21 Premier League)
During a crucial Premier League match, VAR correctly disallowed a goal due to a handball in the build-up, which would have otherwise gone unnoticed. This ensured that the correct decision was made, impacting the league standings fairly.
In tournaments where millions of dollars and club reputations are at stake, having a technology-backed system ensures that results are based on skill rather than officiating errors.
4. More Discipline Among Players
VAR has also led to an increase in player discipline on the pitch. Since players know that every movement is being closely monitored, they are less likely to engage in unsporting behavior such as diving, dangerous tackles, or off-the-ball incidents.
Example: Neymar’s Simulation in the 2018 World Cup
Brazilian superstar Neymar was criticized for exaggerating fouls and diving during the 2018 World Cup. With VAR’s ability to review simulations, referees are now more equipped to punish players for diving, reducing time-wasting and unfair play.
This has improved the overall sportsmanship and integrity of football matches.
The Challenges and Criticisms of VAR
Despite its benefits, VAR has also faced significant criticism from players, managers, and fans. Some believe that it has negatively impacted the game in certain ways.
1. Delays and Disruptions in Gameplay
One of the biggest complaints about VAR is that it interrupts the flow of the game. Football is known for its fast-paced, continuous action, but long VAR reviews can cause unnecessary stoppages.
⏳ Example: 2022 FIFA World Cup – Slow Offside Reviews
During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, some VAR offside reviews took over three minutes, frustrating players and fans. The lengthy decision-making process disrupts the rhythm of the game and diminishes excitement.
To improve this, FIFA is working on semi-automated offside technology, which aims to speed up decisions while maintaining accuracy.
2. Subjectivity in Handball and Offside Decisions
Even with VAR, some decisions remain subjective, particularly with handballs and offside calls.
❌ Example: Manchester United vs. Paris Saint-Germain (2019 Champions League)
In a highly controversial moment, Manchester United was awarded a last-minute penalty against PSG due to a handball decision that many believed was harsh. Although VAR was used, the decision remained subjective, sparking debates over consistency.
Fans argue that VAR should be used to eliminate clear and obvious errors, rather than relying on personal interpretations.
3. Reduced Emotional Celebrations
Another downside of VAR is the impact on goal celebrations. In the past, when a team scored, fans and players celebrated instantly. Now, many celebrations are followed by a nervous wait for VAR confirmation, reducing the emotional intensity of the moment.
🏟️ Example: Raheem Sterling’s Disallowed Goal (2019 Champions League)
In the 2019 Champions League quarter-finals, Raheem Sterling thought he had scored a last-minute winner for Manchester City, only for VAR to rule it out for offside. The initial joy quickly turned to heartbreak, highlighting how VAR can take away the raw emotion from the game.
The Future of VAR in Football
Despite its challenges, VAR is here to stay. Football governing bodies are continuously modifying the system to make it more efficient and less disruptive.
Some future improvements include:
- Quicker decision-making using AI-powered technology
- Greater transparency, allowing fans to hear referee explanations (similar to rugby)
- Better training for referees to ensure more consistency in subjective decisions
As football evolves, VAR will continue to play a crucial role in ensuring fairness while striving to maintain the spirit of the game.
Conclusion: Has VAR Been Good for Football?
So, what difference has the invention of VAR brought to the game of football? The answer is both positive and complex.
✅ It has made the game fairer, reducing controversial mistakes.
✅ It has improved player discipline and increased refereeing accuracy.
❌ However, it has also led to delays, reduced spontaneous celebrations, and introduced new controversies.
Ultimately, while VAR is not perfect, its positive impact on fairness outweighs its downsides. With further improvements, it has the potential to strike a balance between accuracy and maintaining the natural flow of football.
