In recent years we have seen how erroneous calls from the center referees have affected the results of football matches at the biggest stages. There have been calls for years now to introduce a video technology that will aid the referee in making more accurate calls on the field of play.
The recent calls for video technology have come to fruition as the video assistant referee has been introduced and used in recent competitions both in league matches and in international competitions.
WHAT IS VAR?
Video assistant referee (VAR) is a video technology meant to help referee make more accurate decisions on certain occasions on the pitch. A team is needed for VAR to function. This team consists of three persons: The video assistant referee in person, his assistant, and a replay operator. They are seated in a room using camera view of different angles to monitor the game.
VAR is mainly meant for 4 types of situations and they are Penalty situations, red card and in cases of mistaken identity when cards are given, and when goals are scored.
WHERE IS VAR IS CURRENTLY USED?
VAR is currently used in many top European leagues. Like the Serie A, Bundesliga, and Portugal Primera division but not yet in the English Premier League.
VAR was first used in August 2016 between two MLS reserve teams Orlando city and New York Red Bulls 2. FIFA too has given a fair share in trying VAR in recent tournaments. An example is in the last confederation cup and the just concluded FIFA World cup in Russia.
IS VAR RELIABLE?
Yes, on a good day but there are still areas that need improvements. It all depends on the situation, how it is being handled by the people involved. A lot of calls has been corrected by the use of VAR. For example, it was said by FIFA, that six "game-changing" calls were made using VAR and another 29 "major incidents" too. Going by this report, one would say and can see that VAR has made competitions fairer on the decision making.
But what problem complained by many is the time it takes to arrive at a decision when making use of VAR.