Is VAR Changing the Game of Futbol?

Every year in the world of soccer there is a controversial call. The way these controversial calls are made during the game are through VAR. The term VAR stands for Video Assistant Referee and was first introduced in July 2016 in a friendly match between PSV and FC Eindhoven. Since then, VAR has been used in thousands of matches around the globe. One question stands: is VAR really good for the game of football?

VAR showing the stadium the goal was disallowed.

VAR is a computer powered device that is used to make and settle calls that either the referee didn’t see or made in error. Soccer is a game of many mistakes, and some of these mistakes are made by the referee. One of the disadvantages of using VAR in game is possibly getting the goal called back and changing the momentum of the game for a team. There are moments when goals are called off by .5 of an inch and it makes the game of soccer much more boring. Also referees making mistakes are a part of the game of soccer, and I think those mistakes should stay since its a part of the game.

On the other side, people think VAR is good for the game of soccer because it makes the right calls for the game. While this is true and it is a fair argument, VAR indeed takes away the fun and controversy out of the game of soccer. As a fan of soccer I always enjoy the controversy in every match, and I think the beautiful game needs controversy. Another reason why fans enjoy VAR is it prevents players from flopping and it maintains discipline from the players.

Referee using VAR at the 2018 World Cup

With VAR being used so frequently, there comes a couple of problems with its use. According to Olatunbosun Olaniyan, a PhD Candidate in Business and Management Studies at the University of Huddersfield, he wrote: “'There is something strange when fans have to hold off celebrating a goal until they receive confirmation from VAR.” Soccer is a game of plenty of emotions, and one of the biggest emotions in soccer is celebrations. Having to hold off the celebration you have been waiting for all game is frustrating, especially during high intensity games.

Since soccer rarely stops mid-game and always has a running clock, I think, in the future, the best way to implement VAR in the game of soccer is to make it similar to the challenge flag in NFL or NCAA football. Whenever there is a close call or a close game scoring opportunity, the head coach can throw a flag to notify the referees that they’d like to challenge the ruling of the play on the field.

In conclusion to this argument if VAR is a good or bad device to use is always up to debate in the world of futbol. When it comes down to the facts, yes VAR keeps the game in check and it does not allow any missed calls to slide, but on the other hand it takes away the fun and excitement with close calls that soccer has in every game.