In a landmark decision that could reshape the landscape of football technology, Norway’s top 32 football clubs formally recommended abolishing the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system from the country’s domestic leagues. The vote, held by the Norsk Topfotball association representing the Eliteserien and first division sides, marks a significant step towards making Norway the first major European league to scrap the deeply controversial video replay technology.
Norway’s VAR Backlash Reaches Boiling Point
Since VAR’s introduction in Norway two years ago, it has faced fierce opposition and protests from fans, players, and now clubs. Frustrations reached a crescendo last July when a match between heavyweights Rosenborg and Lillestrøm was abandoned after furious spectators threw fish cakes and smoke bombs onto the pitch in response to a controversial VAR decision.
Cato Haug, chairman of Norsk Topfotball, summed up the clubs’ verdict:
“We see the technology has potential, but through today’s discussion and subsequent voting, we see the majority of our clubs believe the current version of VAR does not work well enough.”
Cato Haug, Chairman of Norsk Topfotball
With 19 out of the 32 clubs voting to recommend removing VAR, the Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) now faces immense pressure to respect the democratic will expressed by its members. Supporters’ groups like Norsk Supporterallianse have called on the NFF to heed the clubs’ voices, arguing it would be “strange” for the federation to impose a system the elites clearly do not want.
Joining Sweden in VAR Resistance?
If Norway does move forward with scrapping VAR, it would align with neighboring Sweden as a rare holdout against the technology’s spread. The Swedish Football Association has so far resisted implementing video reviews, making it the only major European league without VAR.
The Nordic resistance to VAR stands in stark contrast to most other top football countries. Leagues in England, Spain, Germany, Italy, and France have all embraced video replays, despite continued controversies and fan discontent. FIFA, UEFA, and IFAB have remained committed to VAR, touting its ability to reduce refereeing errors.
Implications for Football’s Tech Future
Norway’s potential abandonment of VAR could have significant ripple effects on the future of football technology:
- Embolden anti-VAR movements: Other countries with strong fan opposition to video reviews, such as Germany and England, could be inspired by Norway’s example to push back harder against the tech.
- Slow further VAR adoption: Nations on the fence about implementing VAR may think twice if the system proves untenable even in a progressive and tech-savvy country like Norway.
- Spur improved VAR protocols: To prevent more defections, VAR’s proponents may need to overhaul procedures to address issues like delays, inconsistency, and lack of in-stadium communication that infuriate fans.
- Boost alternative solutions: Companies developing enhanced camera/tracking systems, AI officiating tools, and other innovative approaches could seize the moment to push their technologies as superior to VAR.
Of course, much still hinges on the Norwegian FA’s final decision and how exactly a VAR abolition would be implemented. If done hastily, it could prove disruptive and put Norway at odds with FIFA regulations. But if phased in smoothly, in consultation with stakeholders, it could provide a viable template for life after VAR.
At the very least, Norway’s bold stance demonstrates there are alternatives to the VAR juggernaut that has swept world football. It remains to be seen if this small Nordic country can inspire a reevaluation of the balance between tradition, fairness, and the infallible promise of technology in the beautiful game.
