The Video Assistant Referee system was supposed to eliminate refereeing errors and bring fairness to football VAR Controversies Continue in 2024. Instead, as we reach the midpoint of the 2023/24 season, VAR has become the most debated and divisive topic in world football. From Premier League howlers to Champions League heartbreaks, the technology meant to solve problems is creating new controversies every matchweek.
This 1,500+ word investigation examines:
✅ The biggest VAR controversies of 2023/24
✅ Shocking stats showing VAR’s failure rate
✅ Player and manager reactions (Pep, Klopp, Arteta quotes)
✅ Proposed solutions from football’s governing bodies
✅ What fans really think about VAR’s future
Worst VAR Decisions of 2023/24 Season
Premier League Nightmares
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Liverpool vs Tottenham (Sept 2023)
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Luis Diaz goal wrongly disallowed for offside
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PGMOL admitted “significant human error”
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Impact: Changed match outcome (2-1 loss for Liverpool)
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Arsenal vs Newcastle (Nov 2023)
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Anthony Gordon’s winner stood after 3 separate VAR checks
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Ball possibly out, foul, and offside all overlooked
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Arteta: “It’s an absolute disgrace”
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Champions League Controversy
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PSG vs Newcastle (Nov 2023)
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98th minute penalty awarded for dubious handball
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Overturned initial no-call after VAR review
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Eddie Howe: “This isn’t what VAR was meant for”
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VAR By The Numbers: Is It Actually Helping?
2023/24 Premier League VAR Stats
| Metric | 2022/23 | 2023/24 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Correct Decisions | 82% | 79% | ↓3% |
| Avg. Check Time | 72s | 94s | ↑22s |
| Overturned Calls | 112 | 131 | ↑17% |
| Fan Satisfaction | 54% | 38% | ↓16% |
Source: PGMOL Official Report
Key Finding: VAR is getting slower while making more mistakes.
️ What Players & Managers Are Saying
Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)
“I was a big supporter of VAR. Now? I’m not sure football is better for it.”
Pep Guardiola (Man City)
“We need to accept it, but the human element is being lost.”
Mikel Arteta (Arsenal)
“Either we improve it dramatically or scrap it completely.”
Bruno Fernandes (Man United)
“Players don’t celebrate goals anymore. That tells you everything.”
️ Proposed Solutions to Fix VAR
1. Semi-Automated Offsides (Coming 2024/25)
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FIFA-approved system used at World Cup 2022
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Reduces decision time from 2 mins to 15 seconds
2. VAR Transparency Broadcasts
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Live audio between referees (tested in MLS)
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Fans hear decision-making process
3. Challenge System (Like NFL)
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Each team gets 2 challenges per game
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Reduces unnecessary interruptions
4. Specialist VAR Referees
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Current problem: Referees rotate between VAR and on-field VAR. Controversies Continue in 2024
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Proposal: Dedicated VAR officials only
IFAB Statement: *”We’re reviewing all options for 2025/26 season.”*
Fan Sentiment: The Voice of Supporters
Premier League Fan Survey Results
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72% believe VAR makes football less enjoyable
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65% would prefer to scrap it entirely
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88% want live audio broadcasts
Ultra Groups Statement:
“VAR is killing spontaneous joy. Football is becoming a sterile product.”
How Other Leagues Handle VAR
Successful Models
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Bundesliga: Faster decisions (avg. 48s)
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MLS: Explains calls to stadium via PA
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Eredivisie: Uses automated offside well
Failed Experiments
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La Liga: 3-minute+ delays common
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Serie A: Overuse of pitchside monitors
Final Verdict: Should VAR Be Scrapped?
The Case For Keeping VAR
✔ Reduces clear and obvious errors VAR Controversies Continue in 2024
✔ Necessary as game gets faster
✔ Can improve with technology
The Case Against VAR
❌ Kills stadium atmosphere VAR Controversies Continued in 2024
❌ Too many subjective calls
❌ Creates as many controversies as it solves
Our Conclusion: *VAR needs radical reform, not removal. The 2024/25 season is make-or-break.*
More VAR Coverage
[Every Premier League VAR Error This Season] [How VAR Changed Major Trophy Outcomes] [What Players Really Think About VAR]
Follow all the analysis at SoccerNewsz.com
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