Pierluigi Collina, the FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer, has come out in defense of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system after several high-profile controversies in the 2026 World Cup. In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Collina emphasized the importance of technology in ensuring fairness in the game.
VAR: A Necessary Tool
Collina pointed out that VAR was introduced to resolve paradoxical situations where the referee was the only person in the stadium who couldn't see what was happening on the pitch in real time. He noted that with over 80,000 spectators watching the game, it was essential to provide the referee with the same opportunity to review decisions.
England vs. Norway: A Case in Point
One of the most contentious incidents in the World Cup was the England vs. Norway match, where the ball appeared to hit a camera cable before being scored. Collina insisted that the ball did not touch the cable, citing a flat graph that showed no peak when the ball was in the air. He also noted that the camera remained stable, and the ball's rotations were unaffected.
Technology: A Game-Changer
Collina highlighted the significant role technology has played in improving the game, from the introduction of VAR to the use of ball sensors. He noted that the ball sensor was instrumental in Portugal's 2-1 win over Croatia, where the Croatians' late equalizer was disallowed for offside. Collina emphasized that technology allows for more accurate decisions, reducing controversy and debate.
A Fairer Game
Collina argued that VAR and technology improve the game rather than taking emotions away from fans. He pointed out that the wait for confirmation on offside decisions is only a few seconds, and the player celebrates when they score. If the goal is confirmed, there is a second celebration; if it's disallowed, the opposing team celebrates. Collina believes that emotion should be based on a correct decision, rather than an incident destined to be debated for weeks or decades.
We believe that Collina's defense of VAR is well-founded, and technology has been a game-changer in improving the accuracy of decisions. However, there is still room for improvement, and FIFA must continue to refine the system to minimize controversy. Ultimately, the use of VAR and technology will lead to a fairer and more enjoyable game for fans.
The use of VAR and technology in the World Cup has significant implications for the game, including increased accuracy, reduced controversy, and a more enjoyable experience for fans. As the game continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see even more innovative uses of technology to improve the sport. For teams and players, this means that they will need to adapt to the changing landscape and find ways to leverage technology to their advantage.
Preguntas Frecuentes
VAR stands for Video Assistant Referee, a system that uses technology to assist referees in making decisions during a game. It works by allowing referees to review decisions using a video feed, with the help of a team of video assistant referees.
The controversy surrounded a goal scored by England, where the ball appeared to hit a camera cable before being scored. The decision was reviewed using VAR, and the goal was allowed to stand.
Technology has improved the game of football by increasing the accuracy of decisions, reducing controversy, and enhancing the fan experience. It has also allowed for more efficient and effective refereeing, and has opened up new opportunities for innovation and improvement in the sport.