Questioning VAR’s Fundamental Flaws in 2024

After three months, the author has decided to address the topic of VAR, having previously expressed reluctance. The author begins by acknowledging the inherent challenges of refereeing in football, noting the significant physical demands and the necessity for real-time analysis and decision-making. The author expresses considerable respect for those who perform this difficult role effectively. The growing demand for assistance for referees became difficult to dispute, particularly given the substantial financial implications at the highest levels of the sport, which made video support appear almost imperative. Despite the recognized need for support, the author questions why the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, as implemented by 2024, appears fundamentally flawed when compared to other major global sports. The author specifically criticizes the replacement of understandable human error with counteracting, subjective video protocols, highlighting the distinction between “referee’s call” and “clear and obvious”. The author cites recent experiences of their team, Ipswich, which has been negatively impacted by multiple VAR decisions within a matter of weeks. These instances include VAR intervention in situations deemed unnecessary, and a lack of intervention where it was believed to be required. Following a recent VAR failure related to a penalty award, a second booking and subsequent red card was issued to Kalvin Phillips during a match against Leicester. The author notes that even if this decision was incorrect, it could not be reviewed by VAR because second yellow cards resulting in red cards are explicitly excluded from allowable VAR intervention. The author questions the rationale behind this exclusion. The author asserts that unless the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) establishes common-sense protocols for the utilization of video assistance that can be applied both objectively and consistently, VAR will continue to detract from the spectacle of top-flight football, undermine referees, and significantly impact teams such as Ipswich. The author suggests that it would be beneficial if individuals discussing VAR’s poor deployment in national media, particularly former referees, would refrain from shielding it from fair criticism.