UEFA announced Wednesday that fans at Euro 2024 will be provided more precise information on video aided refereeing decisions than in the past.
Roberto Rosetti, the director of UEFA’s refereeing committee, stated that displays in stadiums throughout Germany will present “technical explanations” of VAR calls to better audience understanding.
One of the most common objections levelled at VAR technology since its widespread implementation has been the difficulties that match-goers have in comprehending why certain judgements are reached.
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“After the video assistance, the technical explanation of the decision will be shown on the giant screens in the stadiums,” explained Rosetti at a press briefing at the Allianz Arena, ahead of the tournament opener on Friday.
Rosetti provided an example of the type of information fans may receive following a VAR call.
“Penalty, handball, Germany’s No 9 touched the ball with his left hand, which was in an unnatural position, over his shoulder and extending away from his body,” he said.
Officials in the 2023 Women’s World Cup informed spectators of their decisions verbally before restarting play.
Rosetti stated that referees will be permitted to explain their judgements to the captains of the teams they are judging, but other players who challenge decisions or seek information will be cautioned.
This rule was followed in all three UEFA club competition finals, with two yellow cards in the Champions League final, two in the Europa League final, and one in the Conference League final.
“We do this for the next generations… for football and the image of the game, for the young players and for the young referees,” said Rosetti.
For teams having a custodian as captain (Italy and Slovenia), an outfield player will be chosen before to the match to fill in.