What is VAR technology - The birth process and related laws

When a controversial situation occurs, the referee can request a review of the VAR video. In some other cases, VAR can also suggest to the referee. So what is VAR technology, let's go mitom Learn about this question through the article below.

1. General understanding of what VAR technology is?

VAR technology is the acronym for Video Assistant Referee. This is a system that supports referees in soccer matches using video. VAR is used to review controversial situations that occur, especially when the referee cannot make the correct decision.

In 2018, after a series of tests conducted at major tournaments, VAR technology was officially integrated into IFAB Laws. The VAR system consists of many different parts. First of all, there is the VAR referee, who is appointed to review controversial situations and assist the central referee. Through video review, the VAR referee provides additional information to the main referee.

The main referee still maintains the match management role as usual, but can now receive informational support from the VAR referee to ensure the accuracy of decisions. The next part of the system is the video review stations, set up at the match venue.

Sometimes you can see the referee come out to the sideline to review the video. These stations are often equipped with large screens to replay situations from many angles. Finally, there are video cameras and graphics technology. On the field, video cameras are placed in strategic locations to capture every angle of the match. Graphics technology is also used to indicate the specific positions of the players and the position of the ball.

There are 4 main situations where VAR can intervene, which are determining goals and offsides or fouls in attacking situations, deciding whether to blow a penalty or not. In addition, decide to draw a red card directly, and identify violations in issuing red or yellow cards.

2. VAR technology and its exciting development process

VAR technology has helped make matches noticeably fairer

VAR actually originated from the Referee 2.0 project in the early 2010s under the guidance of the Royal Dutch Football Association. This was a system tested in matches during the 2012–13 Eredivisie season. By 2014, KNVB proposed to IFAB to amend the competition rules to expand testing of the VAR system, and this proposal was approved.

The first live test of VAR took place in July 2016 in a friendly match between PSV and FC Eindhoven. In the same year, the VAR system was also applied in the international friendly match between Italy and France, with unexpected success.

FIFA decided to test VAR at the 2017 U20 World Cup in Korea, marking the first time this technology appeared in an official FIFA tournament.

After a series of changes, VAR technology was finally deployed at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Currently, there are more than 100 tournaments applying VAR technology and it is believed that it will increase even more in the near future.

3. Laws related to VAR technology you need to know

VAR technology creates dramatic moments

VAR is applied to help referees make more accurate decisions, especially in situations such as offside, penalties, red cards and goals. Cameras are placed at many angles on the field to provide a more comprehensive perspective for the main referee to manage the match.

Although VAR provides useful additional information, the final decision is still made by the referee. This person can review the video and consult with the VAR referee before making a decision. When there is a controversial situation, the VAR department will contact the referee and wait for the decision.

When the referee is watching the VAR screen, players and coaching staff are not allowed to get too close or disrupt the match. This action may result in a warning or a ticket. When finished watching, the referee can re-enter the field, continue drawing the rectangular screen and make a decision by blowing the whistle.

A match has no limit on the number of times VAR can be used, any situation within the referee's control can be used immediately. Decisions from VAR cannot be changed once made.

Hopefully, after this article, you will know what VAR technology is. Its appearance has caused many positive changes in football, but drawbacks also exist in parallel. Do not forget mitom1 Read more to understand VAR better.