Why VAR is a must in the World Cup

Well, the VAR system has had its positives and negatives so far since the embarkation of the technology on a full-time basis last summer. Notably, the Italian Serie A and the German Bundesliga tried to introduce it in their league games along with English Associations, who brought it only for the cup games.

As far as the application of a particular technology is concerned, this may yet not be the best auditioning season for the VAR but some of the results’ upturn just due its use makes us think that, ok, this is still a better way to go forward with subtle ironings provided.

We have all heard that “crowd confusion” and “game slowing down” is a major negative to this system. Referees tend to now take an extra look at a particular situation and then people watching the game from far away in the stadium aren’t aware of this, which makes it a bit uncomfortable. But, if this brings the correct decisions all the time, why not use it even though the game slows down?

Ironings can be like stadium can now have a big screen showing the VAR video so that the crowd also get the view of what the referee is monitoring. It will help the parallel tuning of the decision from all over the ground.

It is weird to know that big association league/competitions like Premier League and Champions League have rejected the proposal of introducing the system next season too, despite knowing the fact that we have witnessed some howling decisions by the referees in the recent past.

Just take an example of a Champions League game held at the Bernabeu. There’s a contentious decision to be made, automatically the crowd factor will almost push the referee to give that decision in favour of Real Madrid (the home team). It has happened before many times, we all have watched it. But, if the referee gets a call from his assistant in VAR that, “look, you gonna have to take a look at it again.” It will help him to take a moment, have a look at the situation and then make a call without any crowd pressure.

Actually, what VAR does is it allows many of us to be sure of the decision before the eventual one is taken by the referee. This will nullify the “big club”, “crowd-pressure” and “conspiracy” factors in many big games. This is why it is most necessary in the Champions League. No one wants a controversial decision to win an important tie in the competition, yet it happens, be it via pressure or just a refereeing mistake.

Looking ahead, World Cup 2018 is around the corner for us in Russia. FIFA have decided to use VAR for this competition which is actually good if used in the right manner and perspective. VAR can make a real difference in World Cup betting this summer. Obviously, one negativity will be magnified and several positives have to add up to equalise that, but if this technology proves to be a game-changer in the right way in the biggest football tournament, you can’t help but include it in every football game from next season.

So, in hindsight, the World Cup is possibly the biggest audition period for this technology. Maybe, a make or break situation for it moving forward.