VAR is latest technology used for the first time by FIFA for football’s biggest tournament. VAR stand for Video Assistant Referee which is used to provide more accurate decisions and remove uncertainty when required during the game.
In the past, this technology was used in the FA Cup final and Carabao Cups as well as in the German and Italian leagues last season. This technology involves a professional referee along with an assistant closely monitoring the game.
Iran thought they had equalized but VAR ruled it was offside! pic.twitter.com/CObtXL78Sq
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 20, 2018
But how does VAR it works?
It works when the official on the field sees an error or has to make crucial decisions regarding the goals, penalties, red cards or mistaken identity.
The video referee depends upon the information provided to him by the on-field referee, who raises his hand to pause the game and inform the players that a decision is being reviewed. It’s similar to the ‘Third-Umpire’ used in Cricket and the match only resumes when the video referee takes the decision.
The new technology has helped most of the teams but many criticised it raising many questions.
Nordin Amrabat who plays as a winger for English club Watford and the Morocco national team was not happy with this system after it awarded Spain the second goal in their Group B on 25th June, as it was originally disallowed by the on-field referee.
German players when asked about #VAR #KORGER pic.twitter.com/9MfQL5Q2PZ
— LiLux (@MoraMthonyama) June 27, 2018
https://twitter.com/alanshearer/status/1011344020415623174