NEW DELHI: UEFA on Wednesday announced that fans attending Euro 2024 matches in Germany will receive more comprehensive information about VAR decisions compared to previous tournaments.
Roberto Rosetti, the head of UEFA's refereeing committee, stated that stadium screens across Germany will display "technical explanations" of VAR calls to enhance spectators' understanding of the decisions made.
One of the main criticisms of VAR technology since its widespread implementation has been the difficulty for match-going fans to comprehend the reasons behind certain decisions.
Rosetti provided an example of the type of information that will be shown to fans following a VAR call: "Penalty, handball, Germany's number nine touched the ball with his left hand, which was in an unnatural position, over his shoulder and extending away from his body."
At the 2023 Women's World Cup, officials verbally announced decisions to spectators before resuming play. Rosetti clarified that referees will be permitted to provide explanations to team captains, but other players who challenge decisions or demand information will receive a caution.
This rule was enforced in all three UEFA club competition finals, resulting in two yellow cards in the Champions League final, two yellow cards in the Europa League final, and one yellow card 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 with a goalkeeper as captain, such as Italy and Slovenia, an outfield player will be selected before the match to serve as a stand-in.
(With AFP inputs)
