FIFA takes over VAR: What does this means to World Football?

Like the arrival of a newly signed player, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was welcomed to the premier league with a huge cheer, when it was announced on November 15, 2018 by the English FA that it has been voted to be introduced to the league.

However, the technology has generated a lot of controversies due to inconsistencies in decision making and the human error of the custodians. Little wonder no premier league referee made it to the last world cup in Russia.

Fast-forward to 2020, the excitement has almost been replaced with scorn and agony. The VAR has not lived up to expectation, same old situations, after all, these same referees are the ones behind the camera watching. The introduction of VAR has exposed the state of decision making of referees in the premier league. ‘Human factor’ can no longer be used as an excuse. It is majorly down to what they think of the footballing rules. The inconsistencies in the ruling of similar cases has made it obvious that referees have different views and understanding of the rules governing the game.

The highest governing body of football (FIFA) is, however, not oblivious of these concerns. In a letter sent to all the 211 associations under its umbrella, dated June 29 2020, FIFA announced that it has taken over the use of Video Assistant Referee.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has thus been tasked to make universal rules, protocols and regulations that will govern the use of the VAR. FIFA will then ensure that referees all over the world are well familiar with these rules, to ensure consistency across all level of football. For instance, in the premier league this season, when taking a penalty, the goalkeeper encroachment rule was not implemented at all. This, amongst other inconsistencies, will no longer be tolerated by the start of the 2020/2021 season.

“If something is written in the laws of the game, it has to be implemented everywhere, otherwise can you imagine the surprise of someone who is penalized for something in an international game that he is not penalized for at home?”

“Maybe they would not be aware of what they can do? If something in the laws of the game doesn’t work, then it is discussed and eventually changed by IFAB,” said Pierluigi Collina, the serving Chair, FIFA Referees’ Committee.

More so, Arsene Wenger, FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development has earlier stated the need for referees to use the pitch side monitors to have a better view, as it helps them make better and informed decisions, rather than relying solely on voices in their head. “The referee needs to have a monitor to check if he was right or wrong. He will gain in credibility, especially, knowing that the people at VAR have yet the experience to make these kinds of decisions. He has a review to see if he was right or wrong. That is important for his confidence as well” said the former Arsenal Manager.

Wenger also added: "I think it's working much better than we think. You want VAR to intervene at the right moment. They are not the ones who should make the decisions but the ones who help the referees make the right decisions."

I am sure I am not the only one eager to see the VAR used the right way in the premier league as the new season kicks off September 12. Hopefully, this might be a way back for referees in England into the global football space.

Written by: Ifeoluwa Onasami (@bolutisaac on twitter)