The VAR (video assistant referee) has been the protagonist of multiple debates in recent days. From the cancellation of decisive goals to arbitral decisions that have generated controversy, its use has divided opinions between fans, players and coaches. For some, it is a tool that brings justice to the game; For others, he has denatured football and has generated more confusion than solutions.
Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid coach, has expressed his reserves about the VAR, ensuring that he has removed too much responsibility for the referees and has affected the fluidity of the game. In contrast, Hansi Flick, coach of Barcelona, has defended its implementation, although it admits that there is a margin of improvement. And the reality is that yes, it can always be improved.
One of the main problems of VAR lies in the lack of a unique and universal criterion. It cannot be that in a given league an action is sanctioned in one way and in another competition with the same VAR and the same regulation, decide differently. And sometimes it happens even in the same game. A standard protocol is needed that guarantees coherence in decisions.
Another key point is transparency. It is essential that VAR decisions are explained in real time, with access to audios between the referee and the review room, as in other sports. This would reduce suspicion and make fans better understand the criteria applied.
But there is still an additional improvement that could make a difference: limit the use of VAR to equipment requests, similar to what happens in the NBA or the major leagues. This would avoid the constant intervention of the VAR in each doubtful play and allow the coaches to have an active role in the reviews. Each team could have one or two opportunities for time to request the review of a play that they consider unfair. If they succeed, they maintain the possibility of requesting another review; If they fail, they lose it.
This measure could reduce the abuse of the VAR, expedite the game and return part of the control to the teams, without taking the capacity to the VAR to intervene in clear errors. Thus, a balance between technology and dynamism could be achieved, without losing the essence of football.
