UEFA Says VAR Should Not Be Used Too Much

The person in charge of referees at UEFA, Roberto Rosetti, thinks VAR is being used too much in football games. He said it makes the game stop too often for small things and that referees should only use it for very clear mistakes.
By Newsroom | Football, Sports |

The head of refereeing for UEFA, Roberto Rosetti, has voiced concerns that Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology is being used too extensively, leading to overly "microscopic" interventions that disrupt the flow of the game. Rosetti argues that while VAR is effective for clear factual decisions, its application in subjective situations is causing more debate than it resolves. This call for a less intrusive approach comes amid ongoing discussions about the technology's impact on football matches, particularly in major European competitions.

The Debate Over VAR's Role in Football

The introduction of VAR was intended to reduce controversies and ensure correct decisions on the field. However, its implementation has become a point of contention among players, coaches, and fans. Rosetti's statements suggest a sentiment within UEFA that the technology's current usage may be counterproductive to the spirit and flow of the game.

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"We cannot go in this direction of microscopic VAR intervention… eight years ago, I came to London. That’s why we started to speak about clear and obvious mistakes — clear evidence." - Roberto Rosetti, UEFA Head of Refereeing.

The core of the issue appears to be the balance between technological assistance and the referee's on-field authority. While objective calls like offside are generally accepted as benefiting from VAR, subjective judgments are proving more problematic.

Microscopic Scrutiny and Subjective Calls

Rosetti has pointed out that certain decisions, when viewed in extreme slow motion, can appear more significant than they are in real-time.

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  • Subjective Situations: These are areas where VAR's intervention is leading to a disproportionate number of stoppages.

  • Factual vs. Subjective: While technology excels at objective calls (e.g., offside lines), it struggles with the nuanced interpretation of fouls or handballs.

  • Physical Contact: Rosetti mentioned that "small pushes, small holding, small details" are being penalized more frequently, impacting what is considered part of the game's natural physicality.

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This detailed examination, often in slow motion, can lead to decisions that seem overly harsh or pedantic when viewed against the natural flow of a match.

Varying Interpretations Across Leagues

A significant challenge highlighted is the inconsistent application of VAR protocols across different football leagues.

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  • Premier League Approach: The Premier League has been noted for its lower rate of on-field reviews, with 0.15 per match, which is less than half the average seen in the men's Champions League. This suggests a more lenient stance on interventions.

  • La Liga's Over-reliance: In contrast, La Liga has been criticized for excessive VAR interventions, with each VAR check adding an average of 8.2 minutes of stoppage time per match. This is seen as significantly disrupting game flow compared to UEFA's more restrained approach.

  • UEFA's Stance: UEFA, through figures like Rosetti, appears to be advocating for a return to the original intent of VAR – addressing only "clear and obvious mistakes."

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The differing philosophies create a complex landscape where teams playing in multiple competitions might experience varying standards of officiating.

Impact on Game Flow and Fan Experience

The extensive use of VAR has been linked to a diminished fan experience and a perceived loss of spontaneity in matches.

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  • Delayed Celebrations: Fans and players often hesitate to celebrate goals fully, awaiting VAR confirmation, which can dampen the emotional aspect of the game.

  • Reduced Game Flow: Frequent interruptions for reviews disrupt the rhythm and tempo of matches, a concern raised by Rosetti and observed in leagues like La Liga.

  • Controversy Persistence: Despite its purpose, VAR has itself become a source of controversy, as seen in incidents like the one involving Atlético Madrid. This paradox suggests that the technology, while intended to reduce disputes, may be amplifying them.

UEFA's Referee Development and VAR Implementation

UEFA is actively involved in the development and management of refereeing, including the use of technology.

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  • Central Management: UEFA centrally manages technologies like Goal-Line Technology (GLT) in its tournaments.

  • VAR Structure: In UEFA matches utilizing VAR, a typical setup includes a Video Assistant Referee, an Assistant VAR, and two video operators.

  • Referee's Authority: The protocol, as outlined by IFAB, emphasizes that only the referee can initiate a review, and they must always make the final decision, not merely accept the VAR's suggestion. The VAR's role is to recommend a review for "clear and obvious" errors.

This structure underscores the intention for VAR to be an aid, not a replacement, for the on-field official.

Conclusion and Future Considerations

Roberto Rosetti's remarks highlight a growing concern within UEFA about the over-application of VAR. The sentiment is that the technology is becoming too intrusive, particularly in subjective matters, and is detracting from the natural flow and enjoyment of football.

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  • Call for Restraint: UEFA appears to be advocating for a more judicious and less "microscopic" use of VAR, focusing on clear and obvious errors rather than minute details.

  • League Discrepancies: The variance in VAR application across different leagues presents a challenge for international competitions.

  • Balancing Act: The ongoing debate revolves around finding an equilibrium that leverages technology for accuracy without sacrificing the essential human element and flow of the game.

Moving forward, UEFA's stance may influence how VAR is implemented in its own competitions and potentially encourage a broader re-evaluation of its use at domestic levels. The focus is likely to remain on ensuring that VAR serves as a tool to correct egregious errors, rather than a constant impediment to the game.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is VAR?
VAR stands for Video Assistant Referee. It is a system that helps referees check decisions during a game using video.
Q: Why does UEFA want to use VAR less?
UEFA thinks VAR is used too much for small things. They say it stops the game too often and can make decisions seem unfair.
Q: What kind of mistakes should VAR check?
UEFA wants VAR to only check very clear mistakes that everyone can see. They do not want it to look at tiny details.
Q: Does VAR stop the game?
Yes, using VAR can stop the game for a few minutes while the video is checked. This can make the game flow less smoothly.
Q: Is VAR used the same way in all football leagues?
No, different leagues use VAR in different ways. Some use it more than others, which can be confusing.