The controversy surrounding VAR (Video Assistant Referee) continues to grow, as its implementation in football has created as much frustration as it has resolved errors. A recent Champions League clash between Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid reignited the debate when VAR intervened in a crucial penalty decision.
During the penalty shootout, Atlético’s Julián Alvarez saw his attempt disallowed after VAR ruled that his plant foot had slightly grazed the ball before taking his shot. The contact was so minimal that it was nearly impossible to detect, yet the referee made a swift decision to call it a double touch. The ruling ultimately contributed to Atlético’s elimination, leaving fans and players furious. While technically correct, the decision raised questions about the extent to which VAR should be involved, especially when the infraction was not clear and obvious to the on-field referee.
The controversy highlights a larger issue with VAR: instead of reducing disputes, it has added new layers of contention. In some leagues, frustration with the technology has reached a tipping point. In Norway, for instance, professional clubs recently voted on whether to scrap VAR altogether. While most of the country’s top-tier teams wanted it gone, the national football federation ensured its retention by expanding the vote to include all clubs, including those that do not use VAR. Ultimately, VAR remained in place despite widespread dissatisfaction.
Neighboring Sweden has never adopted VAR, holding firm in its belief that the technology undermines the spontaneous joy of scoring goals. The unpredictability of football, including occasional refereeing mistakes, is seen as part of the sport’s charm. In contrast, leagues that have implemented VAR have experienced a shift where goals are no longer immediately celebrated, as fans wait anxiously for confirmation from the system.
VAR was introduced with the promise of reducing human error, but its execution has not lived up to expectations. While it has improved decision accuracy—Premier League statistics suggest refereeing errors have dropped from 18% to 4%—the remaining mistakes still spark major controversies. Furthermore, VAR has disrupted the natural flow of the game, leading to long stoppages and uncertainty.
The technology has also changed the way referees are perceived. In the past, human error was an accepted part of officiating. Now, with the aid of slow-motion replays and multiple camera angles, referees are scrutinized more than ever. Instead of eliminating controversies, VAR has shifted the focus from on-field officials to those in the review booth, leading to even greater dissatisfaction among fans.
The fundamental question remains: does a fairer game make for a better game? While VAR has reduced blatant errors, it has also introduced new frustrations that many feel diminish the excitement and emotion of football. The debate continues to rage in leagues around the world, with some calling for modifications and others pushing for its complete removal.
For now, the technology remains in place, but the controversy surrounding it is far from over. Each time VAR makes a decisive intervention, discussions about its role in the sport resurface. Football, a game built on passion and spontaneity, now faces the challenge of balancing technological precision with the emotional essence that makes it so beloved.
