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There is no talking point in world football bigger than VAR at the moment, and it is expected to remain that way for some time. Improvements are being called for and they will eventually come, but what is the technology behind VAR, how do we use it and why is it needed in the Premier League?
What is VAR?
VAR stands for Video Assistant Referee. It is a system in place to help the on-field officials with decisions that are too close to call in real-time or ones that they have made a big error on.
VAR covers many different angles, from goal line technology to video replays at the side of the pitch and referee’s in the VAR hub telling on-field officials to change their decision or take a look at something again.
It is certainly complicated, and while there is a lot of money in football to fix the errors, it shouldn’t really come as a surprise that we have had issues during its infancy.
Why is VAR Needed in the Premier League?
The simple answer is to help us get things right. This will take time and won’t happen overnight, but VAR is good for the game in the long run.
Whether it is giving a goal that crossed the line and the referee didn’t see it or correcting an obvious error, VAR has been helpful this season and will continue to be. Removing VAR from the game would be taking a step back, fixing the problems currently in the system, such as the offside issues, would be a huge step forward for the game.
It would also affect the people who bet on football games. We want to see the right results and yes, it may be disappointing to see a goal ruled out for the team you have backed, but the right result is the most important factor in the long run.
With VAR we can have a clean game, and with improvements, every decision will be made correctly. That will please fans and those who use the best UK new betting sites to place a wager on the Premier League each week.
The Technology Behind VAR
A company named Hawk Eye Innovations hold the patent for VAR technology and they have been involved heavily with technology in sports for many years. They also provide the video review system for cricket, which has been used for many years now.
This shows that the company behind VAR knows what they are doing, and they know how to drive technology in sport forward in the right way. Hawk Eye are part of the Sony group, and if FIFA or other governing bodies want to use their technology then they have to pay Hawk Eye a fee to gain access.
Conclusion
VAR has had its fans and critics since becoming part of football. The key is that no VAR will only be a step back. Instead we should look to build on what we have now, make right the wrongs and improve this technology so that it becomes as good as any other technology we see used in sport.