Video Assistant Referee, simply known as VAR, has been a major talking point since its introduction into the lexicon of world football. Many pundits and fans alike have been confused with its implementation and the situation isn’t helped by poor refereeing standards across domestic leagues. Even still, football associations around the world persist with the technology, and it seems South Africa will be the next league to follow suit.
Have the six VAR mistakes been revealed? 👀
Are any other incidents you think should have been changed this season?! 🤔
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 22, 2022
Around the World with VAR
Across Europe’s top leagues, VAR has been in use for at least two seasons and as this season draws to a close, its decisions are becoming more and more important. These decisions affect tight battles at the top and bottom of leagues, like in Italy’s Serie A.
It’s a race that is too close to call with fans and bookmakers. For example, Bwin odds feed offers outright market odds on five teams to be relegated, including Spezia and Lecce priced at +125 and +250, respectively. Live betting markets and goalscoring markets are also offered on these teams as they fight relegation. With the battle so close, their fate could come down to one small refereeing mistake. VAR can ensure that more correct decisions are made, or at the very least give referees one more look at an incident.
Is South Africa next?
The South African league is drawing to a close too and it’s becoming increasingly likely that VAR will be introduced in South Africa next season. The head of SAFA, Danny Jordaan, has met with representatives of FIFA, Pierluigi Collina, and Arsene Wenger, about its implementation.
Although there are currently only three officials who can be considered trained in VAR protocols, it is hoped that it will soon be in place. Recently retired referee, Victor Gomes, has been appointed head of the domestic referee’s board and is also in favor of the technology being introduced to improve refereeing standards.
For the first time ever in a FIFA competition, referees at the #ClubWC will be explaining VAR decisions to spectators and the TV audience through their microphone.
This will be part of a 12-month trial. Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee Pierluigi Collina explains more:
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) February 6, 2023
Sub-Par Performances
Recent controversy emerged when it came to the media attention that the famous Kaizer Chiefs have been awarded 10 penalties so far this season, more than any other team. This caused so much uproar that the decisions were dissected in a weekly television program. However, a former professional referee couldn’t find any glaring favoritism.
This didn’t stop Stellenbosch FC manager Steve Barker from becoming annoyed with what he saw as an unfair decision against his team. After a game with the Chiefs, he told reporters that teams should prepare in training with 10 players instead of 11. Along with poor decision-making, the league has also had to deal with allegations of bribery of its referees.
As officials, players, and fans around the world have already found out to their detriment and chagrin, VAR doesn’t solve all their issues at once. Officials still make human errors even with the help of technology. Decisions still come down to subjective readings of the laws of the game. And of course, everyone has an opinion. In South Africa, as it has done around the world, VAR will improve decision-making. Whether that will appease the masses is a debate for another day.
Image Courtesy: Global Times
