The debate over video assistant referees, or VAR, continues to rage in German football. Since its introduction to the Bundesliga for the 2017/18 season, the system has sparked endless discussion, adn that doesn’t appear to be changing anytime soon.
VAR Remains a Hot Topic in German Football
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Experts are debating the role of video review in the Bundesliga, with coaches expressing widespread skepticism.
- A recent survey reveals that a majority of Bundesliga and 2.Bundesliga coaches are critical of the current VAR implementation.
- Coaches are particularly frustrated with VAR’s involvement in handball decisions.
- There’s little support for a system where coaches can directly challenge calls, similar to the “Football Video Support” model.
- The current debate is being discussed in the latest edition of the sportstudio program.
The use of video review in football is a contentious issue, and the Bundesliga is no exception. A recent survey of coaches in the top two German leagues reveals a notable level of dissatisfaction with how VAR is currently being implemented.
Coaches Largely Critical of VAR’s Current Implementation
The survey, which polled 36 coaches, found that not a single coach expressed “very satisfied” with VAR. Sixteen coaches indicated they were “rather less” or “not at all satisfied,” while eleven expressed satisfaction.
Interestingly, when asked about which situations VAR should review, a slim majority – 15 to 12 – favored limiting checks to factual matters like goals, offsides, penalties, and red cards. This would significantly reduce VAR’s influence on subjective calls.
handball Decisions Draw the Most Criticism
Handball decisions proved to be the biggest source of frustration for coaches, with 24 identifying it as a major annoyance. Foul play was the next most cited concern, with twelve coaches, while only three expressed dissatisfaction with offside calls. Coaches were allowed to select multiple answers to this question.
Did you know?-Football Video Support would allow coaches limited challenges for goals, penalties, red cards, or mistaken identity. It differs from VAR by giving coaches direct review power.
No Consensus on a Challenge System
The idea of a challenge system, where coaches could initiate reviews, didn’t receive widespread support. While ten coaches welcomed the possibility of having a direct intervention option, a majority of 17 believed a coach challenge would be “not good.”
You can find summaries and highlights of the Bundesliga and selected games in the 2nd Bundesliga every Monday from 0:00 a.m on sportstudio.de.
