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German fans protest VAR during Cup first round matches this weekend

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 20, 2026, 10:33 AM

Last updated Aug 20, 2026

German fans protest VAR during Cup first round matches this weekend

Summary

Fan groups from various German clubs are organizing protests against Video Assistant Referees (VAR) during the men's Cup first round matches this weekend. The matches will not utilize VAR due to regulations that keep lower-league clubs at home and the lack of necessary infrastructure. Fans claim that the elimination of VAR restores the authentic flow and emotion of the game, and they demand its abolition in German football. VAR will be implemented starting with the second round of the Cup. Other leagues, including the Bundesliga, will continue to use VAR.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Protests planned for this weekend's German Cup first round matches
•Matches won't have VAR due to infrastructure limitations
•Fans demand the abolition of VAR for improved game flow
•VAR will be implemented from the second round onward
•Bundesliga and second division will continue to use VAR

Latest Updates

10:33 AMYahoo Sports — German fans to protest against VAR during Cup first round

What they're saying

"
Fan groups from various German clubs are planning large protests against the use of Video Assistant Referees (VAR) in professional football at this weekend's men's Cup first round matches, dpa learnt on Wednesday. The games will not have VAR because lower-league clubs are automatically at home under German Cup rules and the infrastructure to install the video review system is not in place.
— Yahoo Sports

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