Recent controversies surrounding VAR have dampened the appetite for this new technology.
As football evolves globally, the widespread implementation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology has become a norm. However, there are still some notable competitions that resist the tide and choose to rely on traditional officiating methods. In 2024, five noteworthy competitions stand out as VAR-free zones, each with its own unique reasons for shunning the technological advancement.
English Championship
The English Championship, often regarded as the fiercely competitive second tier of English football, is a notable exception to the VAR trend. While the Premier League embraces VAR with open arms, the Championship only deploys it during the high-stakes moments of promotion playoffs. For the intense 46-game season, VAR is conspicuously absent, allowing the physicality and raw talent of the league to take center stage.
Domestic African Leagues
In Africa, only Algeria, Libya, and Morocco have incorporated VAR into their domestic leagues. However, when it comes to domestic cups, the usage is limited to just three tournaments. The continental cups and international competitions in Africa tend to utilize VAR less frequently, often due to financial constraints faced by the African leagues compared to their European counterparts.
English FA Cup
The prestigious English FA Cup, involving clubs from all tiers of English football, displays a cautious approach to VAR. While Premier League venues hosting FA Cup ties can leverage VAR capabilities, it is not mandatory for all clubs. This means that if a major Premier League side faces a team without VAR capabilities, the playing field remains without the assistance of video reviews. The English FA cites cost and infrastructure as key factors influencing this selective use of VAR.
Sweden’s Allsvenskan
Sweden’s Allsvenskan takes pride in its footballing philosophy and the unique “50+1 per cent” membership model, similar to Germany’s Bundesliga. This model empowers members to have the ultimate say in club decisions. Despite being the only one of Europe’s top 30 leagues without VAR, the majority of clubs actively oppose its introduction, viewing it as a potential threat to the fan-driven, democratic system in place.
Women’s Super League
The top women’s division in England, the Women’s Super League, refrains from utilizing VAR. While some clubs play in stadiums traditionally associated with men’s teams, most lack the infrastructure required for VAR implementation. The cost of installing cameras and communication systems in these stadiums is deemed too high, making VAR an impractical addition to the league.
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