VAR faces backlash as fans question its impact on officiating
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 25, 2026, 11:38 AM
Last updated Jun 25, 2026
Video assistant referees (VAR), designed to assist match officials in making crucial decisions, are receiving criticism from football fans who feel it has not alleviated erroneous calls. Matilda Boseley from Guardian Australia explores the rise of VAR and its effects on the game, particularly in light of recent controversial decisions, such as those that affected the Socceroos in their World Cup match against the USA. The discussion highlights the ongoing debate about VAR's effectiveness and its acceptance among fans. The investigation examines both the purpose of VAR and the growing body of dissent against its implementation.
- •VAR is meant to help officials but faces significant fan backlash.
- •Critics point to recent controversial decisions impacting matches.
- •The Socceroos expressed frustration over officiating in their World Cup match.
- •Debate surrounds the actual effectiveness of VAR in reducing errors.
- 11:38 AMThe Guardian Sport — If VAR is supposed to help, why do so many football fans hate it? – video
"The video assistant referees, or VAR, are highly trained match officials who are supposed to assist the on-field refereeing team with decisions by watching the game from a box full of monitors somewhere. So why does something that is supposed to help end erroneous decisions on the football pitch become so hated by so many? Guardian Australia's Matilda Boseley investigates Relentless rise of VAR, new red card offences and more: those new World Cup rules in full Socceroos aggrieved by referee's 'stinker' in World Cup defeat to USA Continue reading...
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