Contents
Origins and evolution of VAR
Early concepts and development
The origins and evolution of VAR trace back to the early 2010s when the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) launched the “Refereeing 2.0” project. This initiative aimed to improve refereeing accuracy through the use of video technology. Initial offline trials began during the 2012–13 Eredivisie season, focusing on reviewing video footage after matches to evaluate its usefulness in supporting referees. These early tests coincided with growing confidence in technological interventions in football, especially after the successful adoption of goal-line technology, which the International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved in 2012. Despite this progress, the expansion of video support beyond the goal line faced resistance, notably from then-FIFA President Sepp Blatter, who was initially reluctant to embrace further technological change in the game.
IFAB approval and trials
A major breakthrough came in March 2016, when IFAB officially sanctioned live trials of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. These experiments were designed to assess whether VAR could effectively reduce “clear and obvious errors” in match-changing situations, such as goals, penalties, straight red cards, and mistaken identity. The trials took place in several countries, including the Netherlands, Germany, and the United States, offering a broad range of insights into the challenges and opportunities of implementing VAR across different football cultures and match environments.
Global implementation
The turning point came with the global rollout of VAR at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. This tournament marked the technology’s first use on football’s biggest stage, where it influenced several pivotal decisions and demonstrated its potential to support fair play. Following its World Cup success, domestic leagues across the globe including the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and the Bundesliga began integrating VAR into their matchday operations. While each league adopted slightly different procedures tailored to their specific needs, the overarching goal remained the same: to enhance decision-making accuracy and uphold the integrity of the sport. From concept to global standard, the journey of VAR highlights football’s evolving embrace of technology to improve fairness and accountability on the pitch
How VAR works
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system is designed to assist on-field referees in making accurate decisions during football matches. It operates through a structured process involving specialised personnel, advanced technology, and specific protocols.
The VAR Team and Video Operation Room (VOR)
At the heart of the VAR system is the Video Operation Room (VOR), where a dedicated team monitors the match in real-time. This team typically comprises:
The VAR team and Video Operation Room (VOR)
– VAR (Video Assistant Referee): Leads the VAR team and maintains direct communication with the on-field referee to advise on potential errors.
– AVAR1 (Assistant VAR 1): Monitors the main live broadcast feed, helping maintain awareness of ongoing play while the VAR reviews specific incidents.
– AVAR2 (Assistant VAR 2): Focuses on offside decisions, often using semi-automated offside technology for faster and more accurate rulings.
– Replay operators: Provide the best possible camera angles and replays for the VAR team to analyse incidents efficiently.
The team works in the Video Operation Room (VOR), equipped with multiple high-definition camera feeds and replay technology to assess incidents in real time.
Reviewable incidents
VAR is strictly limited to reviewing four types of game-changing decisions:
– Goals: Validates whether a goal should stand, checking for fouls, handballs, or offsides in the build-up.
– Penalties: Confirms whether penalty decisions are correct or if a penalty should have been awarded.
– Direct red cards: Evaluates serious fouls or misconduct that may warrant a straight red card.
– Mistaken identity: Corrects cases where the referee issues a card to the wrong player.
The VAR review process
– Incident occurs: A potentially controversial event happens on the pitch.
– Automatic check: The VAR team instantly reviews the incident using available replays and angles.Communication: If there’s a possible error, the VAR notifies the referee via a headset.
– On-field review (OFR): The referee may consult a pitch-side monitor to personally review the footage.
– Final decision: The on-field referee has the last word,, either maintaining or overturning the initial decision based on VAR input.
This workflow is designed to uphold fairness while minimising unnecessary stoppages.
Technological components
– High-definition cameras: Cover all angles of the pitch, offering normal, slow, and ultra slow-motion replays.
– Replay systems: Enable precise, frame-by-frame analysis of incidents across multiple camera views.
– Communication systems: Secure audio lines allow seamless dialogue between the referee and VAR officials.
– Semi-automated offside technology: Uses AI and skeletal tracking to determine player positions and automate offside rulings accurately.
Impact on football
Since its introduction, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system has significantly influenced various aspects of football, from decision-making accuracy to player behaviour and coaching strategies.
Enhanced decision-making accuracy
Since its introduction, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system has significantly influenced various aspects of football, from decision-making accuracy to player behaviour and coaching strategies.
One of the most notable impacts of VAR is its role in enhancing the accuracy of critical decisions. A key goal of the system is to minimise clear and obvious errors in high-stakes match scenarios. According to data from the 2024–25 Premier League season, VAR contributed to a marked reduction in officiating mistakes. The Key Match Incident (KMI) Panel reported only 18 VAR-related errors across 380 matches, a 42% decrease from the previous season’s 31 errors. This demonstrates VAR’s growing reliability in supporting referees. Furthermore, overall correctness in decision-making has risen from 82% before VAR’s use to an impressive 96% with it, highlighting the system’s effectiveness in promoting fairness and integrity on the pitch.
Influence on player behavior
Beyond officiating, VAR has also reshaped player behaviour. With their actions under greater scrutiny, players are less likely to attempt diving, commit sly fouls, or engage in off-the-ball misconduct. Studies show that consistent use of VAR correlates with a decline in fouls, offsides, and yellow cards, suggesting a trend towards more disciplined and strategic gameplay. Players now understand that infractions, even subtle ones, are more likely to be caught and penalised, creating a culture of accountability that encourages cleaner play.
Impact on coaching strategies
The introduction of VAR has also had a tactical effect on coaching strategies. Coaches now place more emphasis on maintaining tight defensive lines and ensuring players stay onside, aware that even marginal violations can be caught by VAR. There’s also a growing need to mentally prepare players for pauses during matches due to reviews. Coaches are actively training teams to remain composed and focused when play is halted, helping to maintain intensity once the match resumes.
Effects on game dynamics
However, VAR has not been without its influence on the rhythm of the game. While the average delay per VAR review in the Premier League has improved, dropping to 39 seconds in the 2024–25 season from 64 seconds the year before, these stoppages can still interrupt the natural momentum of play. The flow of the match and emotional tempo, particularly during crucial moments, may be affected. Fans and players alike now often wait in suspense after a goal is scored, holding back celebrations until the VAR confirms its legitimacy. This shift has altered the spontaneity and emotional immediacy of football’s most joyous moments, signalling both the advantages and drawbacks of integrating technology into the sport.
Controversies and criticisms
While VAR was introduced to enhance fairness and accuracy in football officiating, its implementation has sparked significant debate and controversy.
– Subjectivity and inconsistency: Despite being driven by technology, VAR decisions often rely on subjective interpretations. This has led to inconsistent outcomes across matches, where similar incidents are judged differently depending on the officials involved. Such variability has sparked concerns about the system’s credibility and transparency.
– Disruption of game flow: One of the most frequent criticisms of VAR is its impact on the natural rhythm of a football match. VAR reviews can take time, causing delays that frustrate players, coaches, and spectators. These stoppages disrupt momentum and can alter the tactical dynamics of a match.
– Emotional impact on fans and players: The uncertainty surrounding VAR decisions has changed how fans and players respond to key moments. Celebrations are often delayed, especially after goals, as everyone waits for confirmation that the decision won’t be overturned. This undermines the spontaneous joy and emotional peaks that define the football experience.
– Notable controversial incidents: Several high-profile matches have drawn attention to the contentious nature of VAR use:
– Arsenal vs. Brentford (2023): A Brentford equaliser was allowed despite a clear offside, leading to post-match apologies and intense media scrutiny.
– Manchester City vs. Tottenham (2019): Raheem Sterling’s last-minute goal in the Champions League quarter-final was ruled out for a marginal offside, resulting in City’s elimination.
– Real Madrid vs. Atlético Madrid (2025): A VAR-overturned penalty decision contributed to Atlético’s Champions League exit, fuelling criticism over the technology’s influence on major outcomes.
These examples highlight the impact of VAR and the ongoing challenges in balancing technological accuracy with the spirit and flow of the game.
Technological advancements and future prospects
The continuous evolution of VAR technology aims to enhance decision-making accuracy, reduce delays, and make the system more accessible across various levels of football.
Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT)
One of the most notable advancements is the introduction of Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT), which combines artificial intelligence with optical tracking systems to monitor player movements and ball positions with exceptional precision. SAOT automates critical elements of offside decisions, resulting in faster and more consistent rulings. Initially introduced at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, SAOT has since been implemented in top competitions such as the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League, where its integration has significantly improved the speed and accuracy of offside rulings.
VAR Light: Expanding access to technology
To extend the benefits of video review technology beyond elite competitions, FIFA has developed VAR Light, a streamlined version of the traditional VAR system. Designed with affordability and simplicity in mind, VAR Light operates with a reduced number of cameras, typically between four and eight and a less complex technical setup. This makes it a practical solution for lower-tier leagues and women’s football, where resources are often limited. For example, discussions are underway to implement VAR Light in Spain’s Liga F, the top division of women’s football, potentially using a challenge-based review system to enhance officiating fairness and credibility.
Integration of AI and future innovations
Looking ahead, the integration of artificial intelligence is poised to further transform VAR systems. AI has the potential to evaluate complex incidents, such as handballs and fouls, by analysing multiple variables in real time. This could improve the consistency and precision of decisions while lightening the cognitive load on human officials. Additionally, emerging innovations, such as referee body cameras and enhanced offside detection tools, are being tested. At the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, for instance, referees will wear body cams, and a new AI-powered system combining ball sensors and multiple cameras will help expedite offside calls.
Sportmonks and VAR data integration
Overview of Sportmonks football API
Sportmonks is a leading provider of sports data solutions, offering a comprehensive football API that delivers real-time and historical data across over 2,500 football leagues worldwide. Designed with developers in mind, the API provides access to a wide range of data, including live scores, match events, player statistics, team information, and more.
VAR event coverage
Recognising the growing importance of VAR in modern football, Sportmonks has integrated detailed VAR event data into its API offerings. This includes specific event types that capture the nuances of VAR decisions during matches:
– VAR_CARD: Indicates a VAR review related to a potential card incident.
– Goal disallowed: Denotes a goal that was initially awarded but subsequently disallowed after a VAR review.
– Penalty disallowed: Represents a penalty that was initially awarded but later overturned upon VAR consultation.
– Penalty confirmed: Signifies a penalty decision that was upheld following a VAR review.
– Goal cancelled: Indicates a goal that was nullified after VAR intervention.
– Goal confirmed: Marks a goal that was validated after a VAR check.
– Goal under review: Signals that a goal is currently being reviewed by VAR for potential infractions.
These detailed event types allow developers and analysts to track and display VAR-related incidents accurately within their applications.
Implementation and usage
To access VAR events using the Sportmonks football API, developers can include the events parameter in their API requests. For example, to retrieve events for a specific fixture, the following endpoint can be used
https://api.sportmonks.com/v3/football/fixtures/{fixture_ID}?include=events
Each event in the response includes fields such as id, fixture_id, team_id, player_id, minute, and type, providing comprehensive information about the incident.
Build smarter football tools with real-time VAR insights
VAR decisions now shape the outcome of major matches and your platform should keep up. Sportmonks’ football API includes detailed VAR event tracking, helping developers and analysts deliver precise, real-time updates and deeper match insights.
Whether you’re building a live commentary feed, a stats dashboard, or an analysis tool, Sportmonks gives you the VAR data you need to do it right. So why don’t you take the next steps to building your extensive football product and try Sportmonks today!
FAQs about VAR
