The ongoing European Championship has been an exciting event, marked by a remarkable total of 100 goals scored thus far. UEFA has introduced new features in refereeing and VAR (Video Assistant Referee) for this edition of the tournament, including semi-automated technology that has garnered both praise and controversy.
Semi-Automated technology (SAOT) in VAR, initially developed during the 2022 Qatar World Cup, is a groundbreaking system equipped with 10 specialized cameras in stadiums and the tracking of 29 body points for every player. This advanced technology allows for faster and more precise decisions, with real-time notifications to match officials if a player is offside. SAOT also eliminates the five-centimetre margin of error present in the older version of VAR, resulting in pivotal decisions being changed during Euro 2024.
The positive impact of semi-automated VAR is evident in the significant reduction in stoppage time, from seven to nine minutes in the previous World Cup to just two to four minutes in Euro 2024. This reduction has intensified the excitement of matches, prompting teams to intensify their efforts in the limited time available. Notably, twelve goals have been scored during additional time, ensuring that most games finish on an exhilarating note. UEFA has implemented a new method of recording injury time, focusing on quickly resuming games and making matches more entertaining to watch.
Despite these advancements, semi-automated VAR has not been without controversy. Several disputed decisions have occurred during Euro 2024, sparking lively debates. Denmark’s elimination by Germany in the round of 16 was overshadowed by contentious moments, including a disallowed goal due to a marginal offside call. Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku also faced disappointment, with three of his goals being ruled out, including one for a hand-ball offense detected by the new snicko technology. Additionally, an offside call against the Netherlands during their match against France stirred further debate.
The introduction of VAR in football has evolved considerably since its inception in 2016. Originally intended to overturn clear errors and support the match referee rather than to undermine their authority, the current implementation raises questions. Referees are now prohibited from using the monitor to confirm decisions and are only permitted to do so when they need to change a decision. This deviation from VAR’s original mandate has led to dissatisfaction among pundits and fans, despite UEFA expressing contentment with the performance of SAOT.
These discussions reflect the ongoing debate surrounding VAR and its impact on professional football. The environment is disparate, with figures like Jose Mourinho advocating in its favor while others criticize the system for overcomplicating the sport. It remains to be seen how VAR will continue to shape the future of football, but one thing is certain – it is here to stay.
The emergence of semi-automated VAR has brought differences to light and ignited conversations on the future of football refereeing. As Euro 2024 progresses, the influence of technology on the sport is becoming increasingly apparent, leaving its mark on the beautiful game.