What Is VAR In Soccer? – Pros And Cons

Before this soccer era, decision-making was processed by only the main referee and linesmen, but since technology brought in systems that could be used to make soccer decisions, the soccer world since then has completely changed.

Technology introduced the VAR known as the Video Assistant Referee which has been used for a while now in soccer, and of course, it has been considered to be helpful in making decisions most soccer fans are against this system, arguing that it brings in more error than ever.

To someone like me, I see the VAR as a huge development in the soccer world although it brings in some errors at times in making decisions. Regardless, it can be described as a step forward as the round leather game continues to evolve.

READ: Zlatan Ibrahimovic Wife: Who Is Helena Seger?

What Is VAR?

What is considered VAR in soccer is the Video Assistant Referee which helps the main referee to make rightful decisions during soccer matches.

Now, the Video Assistant Referee is not a computer but a fellow soccer referee that uses a computed system to influence decision-making in soccer.

The VAR could help check if a foul is worth being punished with a red card or yellow card, and if a penalty is worth giving or if a player is offside, and other misconduct by the players, fans, and teams’ management during a soccer match.

However, though the idea of VAR has brought about more excitement to soccer, but most VAR decisions do turn out to be poorly rated. Hence, it is better off, you to know about the Pros and Cons of VAR.

Pros Of VAR

1. Adds To The Excitement During A Soccer Match

After every decision-making by the VAR, if you could check well, either of the fans is always happy as the VAR decision is in favor of them although it may not be in impartial form but the right decision.

Also, the players feel they will not be robbed if the VAR is always around to review decision-making, and there is no doubt that this adds to the excitement of the players too.

2. Improves Decision Making

You see, why I am really in support of the VAR is because they are always ready to improve the decision-making processes of the main referee.

Since the main referee is a human, and of course can not avoid human errors, the VAR is always there to call the attention of the referee to review his decision.

3. Acts As A Disciplinarian To Players

As a player, having self-discipline is very important. Well, most players lack discipline when they are on the pitch and tend to have misconduct or violent conduct.

Well, as a matter of fact, no player would want to see himself not playing in a few matches after being punished for misconduct by the VAR. Hence, VAR has always been a great way of keeping players disciplined.

READ: Can Soccer Games Be Canceled For Rain?

Cons Of VAR

1. It Makes Referees To Be Indecisive

One of the negative features of VAR is that it makes soccer referees to be indecisive in making decisions.

If you could check during a soccer match, most referees do have to wait for the VAR to communicate with them before they could decide on what to do. Whereas, it should not be that way always.

2. It Does Not Provide More Info On Decision Making

A couple of times, the VAR has influenced decision-making in a soccer match which does not sit well with the players and fans, and do not want to explain the reason behind the decision-making till after the match is over.

Now, this is really poor for a technology invented to boost decision-making in soccer matches, but it tends to create more errors.

3. It Promotes Time Wastage

Although we know that soccer is a game of passion, most times, the use of VAR technology does waste a lot of minutes to decide on what should be done.

Moreover, when this happens, businessmen and women that are presently watching the game are affected.

It is a no-brainer that the players and team management have their personal lives which they should live and should be considered dismissed earlier to go do what concerns them.

Other than that, time-wasting in football kills the zeal of the players.

READ: How Many Players Are On A Soccer Team?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is VAR Available In The Premier League?

Yes, the VAR is available in the premier and has been influencing most decisions during a soccer match.

What Is The Full Meaning Of VAR?

The full meaning of VAR is Video Assistant Referee.

Does The VAR Give the Final Decision?

Not really, the VAR only influences the decision of the referee but the main referee decides what should be done.

Is VAR Available In La Liga?

Yes, there is VAR in La Liga which is the biggest Spanish soccer competition.

READ: What are the differences between Soccer and Basketball?

Is VAR Available In Serie A?

Yes, VAR is available in Serie A, Italy. The VAR tends to influence the decision of the referee in the top soccer leagues in Europe.

Is It A Right Decision To Use VAR In A Soccer Match?

Yes, it is right to use VAR in a soccer match although most fans are already complaining about the VAR’s inconsistency in soccer matches and how they have ruined different matches.

Well, VAR’s importance can not be compared to its wrong.

Does The VAR Speak With The Referee Before Suggesting A Decision?

Yes, before making any decision, the VAR communicates with the referee to know what decision the main referee is up to and confirm if the decision is worth executing or reviewing.

Is There Other Technology In Soccer Aside From VAR?

Yes, there are other technologies that have improved decision-making in soccer matches such as the black armband EPL referees put on. The black armband helps to dictate when a ball has passed the goal line.