“It needs to be improved.” — Fifa on VAR technology

[AS PUBLISHED IN MALAY MAIL]

Stating the obvious

By Jordan Barnes

“It needs to be improved.” 
— Fifa on VAR technology

Well, duh!

Fifa have conceded their controversial video assistant referee (VAR) technology is not the finished article.

At least head of refereeing Massimo Busacca could have been more contrite with this response.

“It can reduce the enjoyment. You have a celebration then suddenly a review and you have to change,” said Busacca

Tell us something new, my friend.

Fact

VAR has disrupted several of this year’s Confederations Cup matches.

The worst came on Sunday when Germany faced Cameroon.

What happened?

Cameroon’s Ernest Mabouka clattered Emre Can with knee-high challenge.

►Mistake 1

Referee Wilmar Roldan books Mabouka’s teammate Sebastien Siani.

►Mistake 2

Reviews decision using VAR, bizarrely awards Siani a red card.

► Mistake 3

Goes to VAR again and realises error. Sends off Mabouka instead.

Well done, Roldan.

“It took too long. But in the end the right player was sent off,” said Busacca

Will people ultimately remember the ‘correct’ decision?

Not as much as the stupidity and embarrassment involved.

►Three assistants using video replay were still unable to pass instruction to Roldan, who is not the first to suffer from such technological faux pas.

It doesn’t end there …

“(Can) didn’t think it was a foul,” claimed German coach Joachim Low.

“Don’t ask me what happened! I didn’t understand the decision then and I still don’t now,” was Cameroon coach Hugo Broos’ reaction.

The football world is, nonetheless, united on VAR:

► Majority agree embracing technology is the way forward. But when it causes this many problems, fans are fearing the worst at 2018 World Cup in Russia.

► Decisions cause confusion, take too long.

► Some close calls made without consulting VAR.

► Other decisions are wrong.

Gamewise

►Goal celebrations ruined.

► Players and coaches riled.

Fifa defiantly praised the inefficient system, stating:

► In 12 group stage matches, video review helped correct six “game-changing decisions”.

► Match officials ruled correctly on another 29 “major incidents” with aid of technology.

But it is the more than half a dozen calamitous calls that stick out in people’s mind.

Burning question

Should VAR only be used for certain decisions?

►Technology proved useful for offsides but has caused confusion with reviewed fouls.

Does it need to be stopped?

► Fifa need to ensure confusion is eliminated, not created, with system.

Never has a referee and his assistants endured so many fiascos in repeated succession.

Can you imagine if VAR existed in Diego Maradona’s day?

On current record, one would suggest his infamous ‘Hand of God” goal against England would have:

A. Not been reviewed.

B. Reviewed and still be allowed to stand.

C. Seen England goalkeeper Peter Shilton sent off for handball.