As the new domestic football season kicks off in mid-September, concerns regarding the excessive reach of video assistant referee (VAR) technology have resurfaced. Although the International Football Association Board (IFAB) authorized VAR a decade ago, critics argue it has evolved from a supporting tool into a dominant force that disrupts the pace and spirit of the game.
Susmit Gulavani, an assistant professor specializing in AI and machine learning in sport at the University of South Carolina, explained that the original intent was to assist referees while preserving their authority. However, the integration of advanced tools like the Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT) has shifted VAR toward a central decision-making role. This expansion has created unrealistic expectations for perfection, leaving spectators confused by lengthy delays and breaking the fluidity of football.
The tension between technology and tradition is particularly acute in Germany. Nine years after VAR’s introduction to the Bundesliga, officials recently approved its use for reviewing second yellow cards and corner kick decisions. The move triggered a coordinated backlash from organized fan groups in August, who demanded the system be scrapped, arguing it has stripped the sport of its joy.
German fans hold significant sway in football governance due to the country’s membership model. Despite this pressure, Jochen Drees, head of VAR operations in Germany, advocates for refining the technology rather than eliminating it. Gulavani views this as part of a broader societal trend where increasing technological capability leads to deeper reliance, raising critical questions about accountability, privacy, and the necessity of human judgment.
While a return to pre-VAR eras is improbable, alternative models are being explored. During the U20 men’s World Cup last year, a system known as Football Video Support (FVS) was trialed, allowing coaches to challenge decisions similarly to the NFL’s challenge cards. Reports indicate that trials of this cheaper alternative are ongoing.
Gulavani emphasized that technology should serve as decision support rather than a replacement for officials. He noted that while AI excels at processing data quickly, it lacks the ability to interpret context, intent, and nuance. The ongoing challenge for football remains finding a balance that limits technological intervention to preserve human engagement and emotion on the pitch.
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