Last week, UEFA’s head of refereeing, Roberto Rosetti, made a pointed remark: “I believe we forgot the reason why VAR was introduced.” His comment was carefully phrased and not specifically directed at the Premier League. Instead, it reflected a wider concern across European football about the increasing number of extremely fine—or “microscopic”—VAR interventions that are reshaping the flow and feel of the game.
In England, refereeing decisions are intensely scrutinized. Media analysis can be unforgiving, and any mistake is dissected in real time across television panels and social media platforms. There is a common perception among some fans that VAR functions more effectively in other major European leagues and that officiating standards are higher elsewhere. But is that belief accurate? A closer look at Europe’s top competitions suggests controversy is widespread, not isolated.
Bundesliga – Strong Fan Resistance
In the Bundesliga, opposition to VAR has been vocal and visible from the start. Supporters frequently display banners reading “Videobeweis abschaffen” (“Abolish VAR”) during matches. Unlike in England—where chants may erupt but large-scale banner protests are rare—German stadiums regularly showcase organized visual dissent.
For example, before Augsburg’s recent clash with Heidenheim, fans unveiled multiple anti-VAR messages behind the goal. One banner compared football with VAR to “horse racing with donkeys,” expressing frustration after a disputed penalty decision against Mainz that VAR did not overturn.
Statistically, Germany sees a slightly higher rate of VAR interventions compared to England. However, the frequency of acknowledged mistakes is nearly identical—approximately one every 16 matches in England and one every 15.66 matches in Germany. The key difference lies in oversight: the Premier League uses an independent body to evaluate officiating, while Germany’s assessments remain internal.
German media coverage of VAR is also intense. The German FA (DFB) has experimented with transparency measures, such as having referees’ chief Knut Kircher appear live in studio during matchdays to explain decisions—similar to Howard Webb appearing on English broadcasts. While some saw this as a positive step, critics argued that improving refereeing standards should take priority.
Surveys reveal dissatisfaction persists. Polling of top-division coaches showed a majority were unhappy with VAR, and many complained about excessive delays. The introduction of semi-automated offside technology has not reduced debate; in fact, razor-thin decisions have intensified criticism.
La Liga – Confusion and Distrust
In Spain’s La Liga, protests in the stands are less visible, but dissatisfaction simmers elsewhere. The Spanish FA restructured its refereeing committee last summer, becoming the first major league to fully separate on-field referees and dedicated VAR officials. Fifteen specialists now serve exclusively as video assistants.
However, structural changes have not eliminated controversy. Early in the season, semi-automated technology failed to detect an offside, allowing a goal to stand incorrectly. The VAR team involved was subsequently removed from future appointments.
Journalist Guillem Balague has argued that the fundamental problem is philosophical: there is no consensus about when VAR should intervene. Calls to “use VAR less” lack clarity—less compared to what standard? And when exactly is intervention justified?
Tensions are amplified by club media. Real Madrid regularly publishes videos criticizing refereeing decisions. Meanwhile, Barcelona recently released an official statement condemning what it described as repeated damaging decisions. One especially contentious moment involved an eight-minute VAR review to disallow a goal for offside against Atletico Madrid—a case again complicated by semi-automated technology issues.
Spanish sports daily Marca analyzed league footage and identified 10 refereeing errors within the first 18 rounds, a figure higher than comparable data in Germany or England. Critics argue VAR has complicated rather than clarified football, leaving fans confused rather than reassured.
Serie A – Desire for More Intervention
Italy’s Serie A presents a different dynamic. While frustration exists, many Italian supporters and analysts actually favor expanding VAR’s reach. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport correspondent Davide Chinellato, Italian fans cannot imagine modern football without VAR.
Rather than seeking fewer reviews, many want more categories of decisions—such as corners and second yellow cards—eligible for VAR scrutiny. The prevailing expectation is simple: any clear error should be corrected. When that fails to happen, criticism targets the rules governing VAR rather than the technology itself.
However, even in Italy, discontent surfaces. Lazio supporters have displayed banners demanding greater transparency, and Napoli defender Juan Jesus has criticized inconsistent standards. Fans and media increasingly call for simpler, more transparent guidelines that align with common-sense expectations.
Ligue 1 – Cost and Error Concerns
In France’s Ligue 1, VAR interventions are even more frequent. Across the first 198 matches of the season, there were 83 interventions—roughly one every other game. French referees have also upheld their original decisions nine times after reviews, more than in other top leagues.
France records more acknowledged errors than England, averaging one every 11.65 games. While supporters express frustration, financial concerns dominate the conversation. With French football grappling with a collapse in television rights revenue, the €25 million seasonal cost of refereeing and VAR has become controversial.
Club executives, including Lille president Olivier Letang, have criticized what they see as declining trust between clubs and officials. Lyon captain Corentin Tolisso publicly stated that errors occur every weekend and that clubs pay a high price for inconsistent officiating.
Some journalists argue that while VAR corrects many decisions, the focus remains disproportionately on mistakes rather than successful interventions.
A Shared European Dilemma
Across England, Germany, Spain, Italy, and France, a common thread emerges. VAR was introduced to eliminate “clear and obvious errors,” yet debate now centers on what qualifies as obvious. Instead of calming controversy, technology has often intensified scrutiny.
Rosetti’s broader concern appears valid: the gradual expansion of VAR into increasingly minor decisions risks altering football’s rhythm and emotional core. As fans and pundits repeatedly ask, “Where is VAR?” or “Why didn’t VAR intervene?” the system’s scope continues to creep forward.
Whether through calls for abolition, reform, expansion, or simplification, Europe’s major leagues remain united in one reality—VAR is here to stay, but its role remains unsettled.
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