VAR in Soccer: Yes, No, Maybe?

It’s been quite some years since the first time soccer implemented the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). However, up to this date, it still presents some controversies that cry for adjustments. What pros and cons can we make out of this period of having crucial plays reviewed on video?

If we had all soccer fans vote, I might risk stating that the competition would be pretty tricky. Many public statements have risen since the appearance of VAR in soccer. Some state it makes the sport more transparent, while others claim that it doesn’t work the way it should. In this article, we’ll revise the most controversial plays and how efficient VAR was in soccer.

What is VAR in Soccer?

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) is an official referee that helps the primary judge decide whenever a controversial play arises. Through different cameras strategically positioned in a match, they watch and repeat those critical moments. If something is worth telling, they communicate it to the referee.

However, the VAR cannot participate in every single play where the referee makes a mistake. To avoid having that many interruptions, there are specific moments where VAR can intercede. These moments are the following:

• Direct Red Cards: If a player receives a yellow card or no card at all, and the VAR considers it should have been a red one, they can call the referee to review the play. This can also occur even if the referee grants no foul.
• Goal Check: Every time a team scores, the VAR checks for anomalies. Offsides, fouls, or any other type of broken rule can call the goal off and pick up where the incident took place.
• Penalty Situations: If the referee grants a penalty kick, the VAR is in charge of reviewing the play. Sometimes, players can trick the referee, and the VAR makes sure this doesn’t happen.
• Identity Misleading: Whenever the referee makes a mistake when penalizing a specific player, the VAR can intercede and correct the error.

Main judges also have the possibility of asking for a revision. They can either ask the VAR to check a play for them, go to the video replay cabin, or both.

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Controversial Plays where The VAR Made Crucial Decisions

Since its first application, the VAR has interceded in many crucial moments in soccer. In some, it was beneficial and prevented goals or fouls that would have passed unnoticed. However, on other occasions, VAR interceded and turned things to the worst. Here are some examples:

• Boca Juniors (Arg) vs Atletico Mineiro (Bra): During a series in Libertadores Cup, Boca Juniors and Atletico Mineiro faced each other in a two-way draw. In the first match, the VAR saw an inexisting foul of Briasco against Nathan Silva. The play ended in a goal, but the referee decided not to concede it. What is more, during the second game, a similar event called off another goal for Boca. The result was 0 – 0 for both matches, and Atletico Mineiro won during the penalty shootout.
• Portugal vs Iran: Participants and scenario changed on this occasion. Iran, still with chances of qualifying for the second phase of the 2018 World Cup, was the victim. Cristiano Ronaldo elbowed Pouraliganji. Both the VAR and the main referee reviewed the play, but the player didn’t receive a red card instead of the yellow one he had received.

• The Phantom in The Cabin: The referee asked for VAR assistance in a match between Real Madrid and Valladolid. Surprisingly, when the camera showed the people with whom the referee was supposedly talking, nobody was there! Authorities claimed it was due to a power imperfection. However, people and memes didn’t wait long to make their appearances.

These are just a few cases where VAR didn’t act as it should have during official matches. Overall, the VAR is still an official resource, and it seems authorities aren’t willing to change their minds. However, we can conclude that, even though the VAR may benefit transparence it soccer, it still needs some adjustments. Thank you for reading, see you next time!