The advent of VAR at the past World Cup established one thing for certain: even at the greatest level, it is nearly impossible to eliminate controversy from soccer.
The technology, which stands for Video Assistant Referee, has changed the game, but not everyone feels that it is for the better. Part of the reason for this is that the game’s rules are still open to interpretation, so there aren’t enough camera angles or slow-motion replays to reach a unanimous decision for every incident on the field.
Human discretion will still be necessary at some point, which creates the door to debate. Even topics that can be determined by frame-by-frame data can be contested. The amount of offside calls designated as “against the spirit of the game” is a famous example.
Some say that a modicum of common sense should give the assaulting side the benefit of the doubt. The rationale is that a measurement as little as the length of a fingernail should not be enough to deny a goal. The issue arises when determining where the new bar should be positioned.
It becomes a discretionary decision, which raises the question of consistency, human mistake, and debate.
Coaches have always emphasised the need of consistency. Regardless of how unsatisfying the use of VAR for offside calls is, it is, for the most part, consistent. Tottenham manager Antonio Conte, on the other hand, was sent off in October for his enraged reaction after Harry Kane’s injury-time goal against Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League was ruled out.
There was a time during the 2018 World Cup when it seemed like everything was a penalty – there were a tournament record 29 penalties four years ago. After that, penalties were repeatedly retaken due to encroachments or early movements by goalkeepers, all of which could be thoroughly studied back at VAR headquarters.
Whether you like it or not, VAR has become an indispensible aspect of international soccer since its debut in a game between Italy and France six years ago. Newer technologies is being developed to improve this. In Qatar, semi-automated offside technology will be used, as well as a tracking system to pinpoint the precise positions of players. In-stadium graphics will help fans make better decisions.
However, this will not eliminate the subjective character of officiating – and hence the possibility of even greater conflict.
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