Norwegian soccer is set to vote this weekend on whether to scrap the use of video reviews in its top league after a turbulent couple of years since the technology was introduced. The decision will be closely watched around the soccer world as the video review system, known as VAR, has had a significant impact on the sport since being formally written into the laws of the game in 2018.
Initial disgruntlement among Norwegian soccer fans emerged soon after VAR was introduced in 2023, with some feeling that the democratic process in the Norwegian game had been undermined. This led to protests by fans, including throwing fish cakes and tennis balls onto the field during matches. A vote in January of the 32 clubs making up the top two leagues in Norway saw 19 clubs vote to scrap VAR and 13 to keep it, sparking a debate.
The final decision on whether to scrap VAR will be taken at a vote at the federation’s congress over the weekend. Anti-VAR campaigners fear that many clubs may side with the Norwegian Football Association in favor of the technology, which could undermine club democracy. The potential impact of the vote extends beyond Norway, as it may influence supporters in other countries to step up protests about VAR in an effort to remove it from their leagues.
According to Anders Kjellevold, chairman of the Norwegian supporters’ alliance, the anti-VAR sentiment is due to the belief that the technology is incompatible with the spirit of football. The outcome of the vote could have far-reaching consequences not only for Norwegian soccer but also for the future of VAR in leagues around the world.
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