UEFA not happy with inconsistent use of VAR across European competitions

UEFA not happy with inconsistent use of VAR across European competitions

The move comes amid growing concern that the technology is being applied inconsistently across competitions. Speaking at a briefing in Brussels, UEFA referees chief Roberto Rosetti warned that VAR is in danger of drifting away from its original purpose.

He stressed that the system was introduced to correct only clear and obvious mistakes, but criticised its increasingly “microscopic” use in decision-making.

"I believe we need to, at the end of the season, speak about this, because we cannot go in this direction of microscopic VAR intervention," Rosetti said.

"We love football like it is."

He added: "I believe that in Europe, we must speak only one technical language. For us, this is the target. We cannot speak different technical languages across Europe. It's not good.

"We need only one technical interpretation. We are speaking a lot. We were speaking a lot before the season -- we need to speak again."

Statistics underline the disparity in application. As of February 13, the Premier League averages just 0.15 on-field VAR reviews per game, compared to 0.36 in the UEFA Champions League - a contrast that highlights differing interpretations of the protocol.

UEFA is determined to address this inconsistency by bringing stakeholders together to find common ground. Further discussions are expected after the FIFA World Cup, with the ultimate aim of delivering a more unified and consistent VAR approach across competitions next season.
 

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