How Does a Video Assistant Referee Work (VAR) in football?

What is video assistant referee technology? Sports and football often face contentious situations that result in red cards, fouls, penalties, and offside. Surely fans always feel uncomfortable, especially when the referee’s decision causes some error. That is the reason why VAR technology was born. Let’s learn more about this VAR technology with PHLWIN.

What is the concept of VAR technology?

What is VAR technology? VAR – Video Assistant Referee is a technology that uses video to support referees in controversial decisions on the field. This technology is used to help referees make the most accurate decisions to help make football matches fairer.

When using this technology, 33 cameras will be installed on the field and a team of referees will sit in a room called the VAR room to review all controversial situations. When there are difficult situations to decide, the var room will send a signal to the main referee through analysis with 120 frames per second captured by 8 Super Slow Motion cameras.

33 cameras operate continuously to produce UHD images, including 8 Super Slow Motion cameras, giving the referee a full view of all angles. Especially mounted at the goal and touchline positions as well as in the penalty area, which are the most controversial places.

When was the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) first applied?

VAR first appeared in an unofficial match in the professional soccer league in the US in August 2016. However, the world football federation FIFA has approved the widespread use of this technology since the 2018 World Cup.

Initially, there were controversies when this technology was applied to interrupt the match, losing the inherent emotions that football brings. Up to now, VAR has shown its influence on all football matches in the world. thanks to this technology, many teams have successfully reversed the situation, from which bettors have received big wins and continuously withdrawn money.

Situations where VAR technology is applied to assist referees

According to FIFA’s decision, VAR will only assist the referee in certain situations so as not to interrupt the match. The rest of the situations will still be decided by the referee & below are the situations where VAR will participate.

Intervening if there is a dispute about the goal

In situations where a player scores a goal but there is a complaint or the referee receives information from the VAR room. The referee will then stop the match to review the process leading to the goal. After reviewing and assessing the level of the situation, the main referee will review and make the final decision.

Support in penalty situations

Penalties are also one of the situations where VAR will intervene to support the main referees in making decisions. Referees will use this technology in sensitive situations to avoid making wrong decisions.

Player errors leading to red cards

Violent behavior during football matches is always discouraged because it leads to serious consequences. Therefore, referee support technology will be applied and limit these situations. Allowing the referee to review and immediately give a penalty to the player.

Wrong decisions

Referees have often caused anger among fans because of wrong decisions. Therefore, VAR will be supported to minimize wrong decisions to create fairness in football.

Conclusion

This article has helped fans understand in detail what Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology is. A technology that supports referees in football to help bring fairer matches. If you want to explore more technologies applied to world football today, visit our website for more updates!