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Pros and Cons of Implementing VAR Technology in Football

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology was first introduced in professional football in 2016 and began to be used in major events such as the 2018 World Cup. VAR is a system designed to assist referees in making more accurate decisions by reviewing video replays in certain situations, such as disputed goals, fouls in the penalty area, direct red cards, and mistaken identity of players being penalized. Although it is expected to bring fairness to the game, VAR has sparked various pro and con opinions among players, coaches, and football fans. Here is a comprehensive review of the advantages and disadvantages of implementing VAR technology in football.

FOOTBALL

A. Sahrul Romadhon

11/3/20244 min read

Pros

Fairness and Accuracy of Decisions

The main reason for implementing VAR is to enhance fairness and accuracy in refereeing decisions. VAR allows referees to review crucial moments in a match so that the decisions made can be more precise. With VAR, the chances of fatal errors that could affect the outcome of the match are reduced. For example, in situations where a goal might be offside or involve a foul, VAR can ensure whether the goal is legitimate or not.

Additionally, VAR is beneficial in addressing decisions that are difficult for referees to see, such as light contact in fouls or incidents occurring far from the referee's position. This technology helps reduce controversies arising from decisions perceived as unfair by players or fans, making the game fairer.

Reducing Controversial Elements in Important Decisions

VAR helps reduce several controversies that commonly occur on the field, especially in penalty situations, direct red cards, and disputed goals. Important decisions like penalties, which often become a debate between the two teams, can now be reviewed more thoroughly through replays. With the help of VAR, referees have the opportunity to re-examine incidents from various angles, making the final decision more objective and accurate.

With VAR, players also tend to be more cautious in actions that could lead to penalties or red cards. This indirectly reduces potentially harmful incidents, creating a safer and more orderly match.

Providing More Protection for Referees

VAR also provides more protection for referees in carrying out their duties. With VAR, the pressure on referees to always make the right decision can be slightly reduced. VAR allows referees to review decisions already made without worrying about drastically changing the course of the match. Additionally, VAR reduces the likelihood of referees becoming targets of criticism or threats from fans dissatisfied with the match results.

The assistance of VAR also allows referees to focus more on other aspects of the game, such as managing the match tempo or maintaining a conducive atmosphere on the field. This technology minimizes the possibility of fatal errors caused by the referee's limited view or distance from the incident.

Cons

Disruption to the Flow of the Game

One of the main criticisms of VAR is its potential to disrupt the flow of the game. VAR requires time to review replays, and during this process, the match must be temporarily halted. This can reduce the game's rhythm, especially if it needs to be done more than once in a match. This stoppage can also disrupt the momentum of a team that is attacking or defending, ultimately affecting the natural dynamics of the match.

This delay often becomes a highlight because, in football, rhythm and tempo are very important. Many fans feel that tense moments in the match are lost due to waiting for VAR decisions. They also argue that the delays remove the spontaneity that is one of football's main attractions.

Ambiguity in Interpretation

Although VAR is intended to provide clarity, this technology often creates ambiguity in interpretation, especially regarding offside rules and minor fouls. In certain situations, offside decisions can be determined by mere millimeters, such as when a player's body position is slightly ahead of the opposing defender. This is considered too strict and not in line with the spirit of the game, as such small margins do not always provide an advantage to the attacking team.

Additionally, the assessment of fouls leading to penalties or red cards is often still subjective. Replays viewed from certain angles can yield different interpretations. As a result, even with VAR, the decisions made can still spark debate due to differing interpretations between referees.

High Costs and Limited Access for Smaller Leagues

Implementing VAR technology requires a significant investment. This system involves high-quality video equipment, communication networks, and several additional officials to monitor replays. These high costs make VAR applicable only in major leagues or international tournaments. Smaller leagues or countries with limited funds may not be able to adopt this technology, ultimately creating disparities in match implementation.

Furthermore, differences in VAR implementation between competitions can cause confusion. Players accustomed to playing in leagues with VAR may struggle when playing in leagues without VAR, and vice versa. This poses a challenge in ensuring the same standard of fairness for all football competitions.

Reducing Spontaneous Emotions on the Field

VAR also changes how fans respond to goals or important decisions. Before VAR, every goal or awarded penalty would be met with spontaneous euphoria by players and fans. However, with VAR, there is often doubt about whether the goal will stand or be disallowed. This reduces the spontaneous emotions that are characteristic of football, as fans and players must wait for the referee's decision after the VAR review.

For many fans, this reduces the natural excitement of the match. Dramatic moments that are usually greeted with joy are now hindered by the verification process that must be carried out first.

Conclusion

The implementation of VAR in football has a significant impact on the course of the match. On one hand, this technology successfully brings football towards better fairness and accuracy, helps reduce controversies, and provides additional protection for referees in decision-making. On the other hand, VAR also disrupts the flow of the game, reduces spontaneous emotions, and has accessibility limitations for smaller leagues.

Ultimately, the implementation of VAR remains a debate that has not been fully resolved. For some, this technology is a step forward in the modern football world that increasingly demands transparency and fairness. However, for others, VAR diminishes the fundamental values of football as a dynamic and emotional sport. The future of VAR may continue to undergo adjustments as technology evolves and fans demand an engaging and fair viewing experience.