Video Assistant Referee
Full Form of VAR
What is VAR?
VAR stands for Video Assistant Referee, an officiating technology introduced in football to assist the on-field referee in making accurate decisions. It was officially adopted by the International Football Association Board and made its World Cup debut at the 2018 FIFA tournament in Russia. The system involves multiple camera angles, including goal-line and offside cameras, along with a team of off-field officials who review incidents such as goals, penalties, red cards, and cases of mistaken identity. Communication between the on-field referee and the VAR room happens through headsets in real time. In India, VAR was introduced in the Indian Super League in 2022, making the country one of the early adopters in Asian football. The technology has been both praised and criticised for its impact on match flow, as reviews can sometimes lead to long delays and emotional moments for players and fans. However, it has largely reduced clear errors in officiating and brought more fairness to the game. Indian football fans and players have welcomed VAR, with the All India Football Federation supporting its continued use in domestic competitions. For students preparing for sports quizzes, GK sections of UPSC, SSC, or banking exams, questions on VAR technology and its growing role in modern football are increasingly common in current affairs sections.
VAR का फुल फॉर्म
वीडियो सहायक रेफरी
Example
The referee consulted VAR before awarding the penalty in the India-England football friendly at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.