How Is VAR Technology Impacting Soccer?

On average, a referee makes up to 137 visible decisions in a single game. This means the risk of making the wrong call is high, and any 23 mistakes made can impact the final result of a match. 

Referees may make poor decisions due to the flash-lag effect, which includes background noise, fatigue, and players' comments on the game. But the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Technology by FIFA is changing how officials make decisions on the pitch. 

So, how is VAR changing soccer? 

Impacts of VAR Technology on Soccer

The MLS adopted the VAR technology in 2017, and since then, it has been streamlining glaring errors during soccer matches. However, the technology has also raised a share of heated controversies. Here are some of the impacts of VAR: 

Fan Engagement and Experience

As fans, we are the heartbeat of soccer, and VAR decisions directly impact our engagement and experience during a match. Most of us actively discuss VAR calls and the possible outcomes.

The anxiety we have when an on-field referee makes the VAR signal enhances our engagement. This makes us part of the game, as we hope the referee rules in favor of our teams 

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Elevating Fair Play

Humans are prone to error, and VAR aims to reduce the margin of mistakes referees make on the field. The video assistant referee protocol scrutinizes 'clear and obvious errors' or 'serious missed incidents' leading to a goal, penalty, or red card. 

The results of the scrutiny are visible. Decisions in a match have become more accurate, making soccer a fairer game and letting the best team win. 

VAR has also dealt a blow to diving and simulation. Players are aware that such incidents are subject to review and may cause a penalty. This is increasing sportsmanship in soccer matches. 

Transparency and Accountability

Referees and other match officials undergo VAR training to understand its application and nuances. This ensures they make consistent decisions based on evidence. 

Tony Scholes, Premier League's Chief Football Officer, says VAR is significantly helping officials make the right decisions. "Before the VAR era, referees' decisions were deemed to be 82% correct. Today, that figure is at 96%."

VAR continues to intervene in factual, incorrect incidents on the soccer pitch. These insights are elevating transparency and accountability, upholding the integrity of the game. 

VAR's Contentious Moments

The primary purpose of VAR was to bring clarity and fairness during soccer matches. However, in some games, the technology has raised more questions than answers among players, pundits, and fans.

Tony Scholes admitted that VAR is not perfect. He also pointed out several occasions where VAR intervened incorrectly. 

The VAR incorrectly overturned a penalty awarded to Arsenal at home against Manchester United in September. It also made a factual mistake by ruling out Luiz Diaz's goal for Liverpool against Tottenham Hotspur for offside.

It is also noted that VAR needed improvement in the time it takes to make a decision and the fan's in-stadium experiences. 

VAR calls to alter the natural flow of the game. And when a controversial decision is made, it's us fans who hurt most, especially if we placed a bet on that team. 

These contentious moments have made us appreciate the importance of gambling responsibly while following soccer matches.

When is VAR Used in a Soccer Match? 

VAR is a technology-based system that helps referees make the right decisions in soccer matches. 

The technology uses multiple camera angles to provide real-time video footage of a match on multiple screens.

VAR can only intervene when a 'clear and obvious error' or 'serious missed incident' occurs in the course of play in relation to: 

Goal/No Goal

• If the attacking team commits an offense in the build-up leading to the goal (offside, foul, or handball)

• If the ball was out of play before the goal

• If the goalkeeper and/or the kicker commit an offense during a penalty kick

Penalty/No Penalty

• Location of offense (inside or outside the penalty area)

• Penalty kick offense incorrectly awarded or not penalized 

• If the attacking team commits an offense in the build-up prior to the penalty (offside, foul, or handball)

Direct Red Cards (Not Second Yellow Card)

• Serious foul play 

• Violent conduct

• Abusive actions 

Mistaken Identity

If the referee shows a yellow or red card to the wrong player, VAR can review the identity of the offender. 

While both the on-field referee and the VAR team can call for a review, the final decision rests with the on-field referees. They can decide to uphold or overturn their decisions after reviewing the incident themselves. 

VAR: A Double-Edged Sword?

VAR has made an indelible mark in soccer. The technology allows on-field referees to minimize human error by consulting on-field screens to ascertain if their decisions are fair and justified. 

This relationship between soccer and technology is resulting in transparency and accountability, enhancing the integrity of the game. 

Despite these promising advancements, VAR is disrupting the natural flow of soccer. It's also subject to criticism due to numerous controversial calls.