Some say, the implementation of technology to review moves in football such as Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was long overdue. Sports like cricket have been using virtual assistance for years. However, others think that such technology disrupts the fast-paced ‘feel’ of a sport like football. What do Gulf News readers’ think?
Excellent decision
"Traditionally when a referee makes a mistake, everybody in the world could instantly see it on television through reviews. There have been so many clear and obvious mistakes, which regularly take place due to human error regarding with respect to the the referee. These could have easily been avoided if referees get assistance from outside the pitch. Fifa’s new leadership has been brave enough to introduce VAR at the 2018 World Cup. However, there’s no denying that VAR has brought controversy and maybe it takes away a bit of instant joy and emotions from classic football moments.
"There is plenty of room for improvement such as each team getting a chance to protest or question a decision in each half.
It’s early to judge VAR as Fifa is still learning how to implement the technology but in the long run, VAR is a progressive move that will eliminate injustice in football."
-Mr Mehran Rowshan
Football coach based in Dubai
Lack of communication
"VAR is a worthy addition and should have been introduced earlier, however its implementation by Fifa especially at the international level matches is a horrible decision. Firstly because rules in which VAR is allowed to be used is if it’s a ‘clear error’ but what exactly constitutes that is still unknown. VAR would be of better help in situations which are unclear in a match but this very rule sort of impedes the idea of implementing VAR. In two different matches but same scenario, I have seen one had VAR implemented to award a rightful penalty, and one where it wasn’t called into question at all.
"VAR was only trialed on the big stage at the 2017 Fifa Confederations Cup prior to World Cup. Most teams are only becoming accustomed to idea of VAR at the grandest stage itself. Given VAR is now part of football’s laws, VAR should have been properly trialed in domestic leagues for a few years before making an entrance on the international stage.
"Also, communication is a huge issue. For example, third umpires in cricket communicate their decision and it can be heard on live television. Football needs something similar. If not to the public, at least the head referee needs to be able to communicate with the players and coaches on the pitch about why VAR is being consulted. Moreover, a limit needs to be set regarding using the VAR, because given the ‘clear error’ scenario, it will encourage players to play fairer."
- Mr Murtaza Ali Khan
Master’s degree student of chemical engineering based in Abu Dhabi
Rushed implementation
"VAR has been a huge talking point in this year’s World Cup. I believe the cons outweigh the pros at this moment of time. There have been decisions rightly overturned by match officials however, there were also bad decisions taken. I’m going to discuss a few issues that have made VAR technology take away from the nature of football. As VAR is a work in progress, it’s unbelievably slow which kills the momentum of the game. Also, there hasn’t been a clear ruling on when VAR should be used. This allows the players to rush to referees requesting VAR in every decision.
"Another issue is referees not wanting to over-rule their primary decision even though it was clearly a wrong call revealed through VAR. A prime example would be the Morocco versus Spain game which determined the Spaniards’ fate in the World Cup. The corner was taken from the opposite side instead of the side where the ball was deflected that allowed them to capitalise and score the goal, keeping them longer in the World Cup. The referee used the VAR and it clearly showed that the corner was taken from the opposite side yet, he didn’t overrule it. Human errors and lack of training required before introducing VAR have made referees very hesitant to take crucial decisions during the game. VAR is a work in progress, I think they rushed in implementing it in the World Cup as it should have been tested in one of the major leagues around the world beforehand."
-Mr Ahmad Gamgoum
Accountant based in Sharjah
Killing the excitement
"VAR, the technology, is said to be taking away the emotions from the beautiful game of football. Before VAR if a goal was scored, the player would just check the offside flag and go straight to celebrating if it wasn’t an offside. Now after VAR, if a goal is scored, players first look straight towards the referee rather than going on to celebrate. It has taken out the adrenaline and excitement out of football. Moreover, after every major event in the game, the players rush to the referee to force a review by VAR, which really slows down the game and breaks the momentum.
"However, one can also argue that the fans should deal with all of this, as long as the correct decision is made. I agree that there are advantages of using the technology as well. I believe that VAR has improved decision-making and the game is becoming fairer because of it. In my opinion, technological developments like VAR are not the problem, it is how they are being implemented. Sometimes the referee gives many reviews to one team but few or none to the other. The final decision is ultimately up to the head referee. Hence, I believe each team should be given a fixed number of reviews and each time the team gets a review correct, the number of reviews left remains the same. This will be fair to both teams and will reduce the time spent in reviewing all major incidents in the game.
"Also, since the evaluation won’t take place until the opponent team appeals for it, the joy of the game will remain the same. I think that currently we are still learning how to effectively use the technology."
- Mr Hamdan Shahid
Supply Chain Analyst based in Dubai
Poll results
Do you think that VAR (Video Assistant Referee system) has changed football for the better?
Voted results
Yes: 82%
No: 18%
Have Your Say
Is VAR a much needed change in football because it improves accuracy and decision making?
Is VAR unsuitable to the nature of the sport because it disrupts the rhythm of matches?
Will VAR be effective once the learning curve has been overcome?
To share your views on this topic or join future debates, write to us at readers@gulfnews.com
