'Small crisis' - Refereeing legend Pierluigi Collina compares VAR to marriage problems 'with your wife' in scathing assessment of video technology
Pierluigi Collina has delivered a blunt assessment of the current state of VAR, comparing the technology’s recent struggles to a crumbling relationship. As football prepares for a suite of radical changes to how the game is policed, the man who once struck fear into the world’s best players suggests that the initial love affair with technology has hit a rocky patch.Speaking at the annual general meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in Wales, Collina did not hold back. He said: "In Italy, we say that in every wonderful marriage, there is a crisis after seven years. So it might be possible that people fall in love with the VAR, and then after some years, as with your wife, you have a small crisis." His comments come at a time when fan frustration is at an all-time high, with many calling for the system to be scrapped entirely after a decade of trials and implementation.Despite the apparent "small crisis," the scope of technology is set to expand significantly. IFAB has officially widened the VAR protocol to include the ability to check incorrectly-awarded second yellow cards. The urgency for this change was highlighted last month in Serie A when Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu was incorrectly sent off against Inter. Furthermore, officials will soon have the option to check incorrectly-awarded corner-kicks.Collina explained that the evolving nature of the sport necessitated these updates, noting that the original framework was written in a different era of technology. "When we decided on the VAR trial in 2016, the technology was very different. The protocol was written from scratch and took inspiration from other sports, such as rugby, and video officials had no prior experience. Today, the situation is very different," he said.Beyond the video booth, referees are being handed new tools to speed up the game. Starting from this summer's World Cup, officials will have the power to initiate a five-second countdown for throw ins and set-pieces if they feel players are stalling. Additionally, a strict 10-second limit for substitutions will be enforced, with players who fail to leave the pitch quickly enough forced to wait a full minute before their replacement can enter."The goal is to eliminate, or to eliminate as much as possible, timewasting that hinders the spectacle of the game. Last year we introduced the ‘eight second rule’ for goalkeepers, which has been a great success. There have been very few cases where a corner has been granted. The deterrent has worked," Collina added to La Gazzetta dello Sport in his assessment of the modern game's flow.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingFootball is also moving closer to a "challenge" system similar to tennis or cricket. Football Video Support (FVS), which allows coaches to challenge decisions twice per match, is already being tested in Italy, Malta, and Spain. Collina confirmed the expansion of these trials, stating: "It is probable that in the next weeks we will open the possibility to join the trial for the next season to member association and competition organisers."While the Premier League remains hesitant about some aspects, such as VAR checks on corners, Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham believes the challenge system could be a positive step. Bullingham noted: "It changes the dynamic. It reduces the amount of times when there is a VAR intervention and effectively puts the onus on the coach. That's something which we might continue to learn as we trial that model."
Pierluigi Collina has delivered a blunt assessment of the current state of VAR, comparing the technology’s recent struggles to a crumbling relationship. As football prepares for a suite of radical changes to how the game is policed, the man who once struck fear into the world’s best players suggests that the initial love affair with technology has hit a rocky patch.Speaking at the annual general meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in Wales, Collina did not hold back. He said: "In Italy, we say that in every wonderful marriage, there is a crisis after seven years. So it might be possible that people fall in love with the VAR, and then after some years, as with your wife, you have a small crisis." His comments come at a time when fan frustration is at an all-time high, with many calling for the system to be scrapped entirely after a decade of trials and implementation.Despite the apparent "small crisis," the scope of technology is set to expand significantly. IFAB has officially widened the VAR protocol to include the ability to check incorrectly-awarded second yellow cards. The urgency for this change was highlighted last month in Serie A when Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu was incorrectly sent off against Inter. Furthermore, officials will soon have the option to check incorrectly-awarded corner-kicks.Collina explained that the evolving nature of the sport necessitated these updates, noting that the original framework was written in a different era of technology. "When we decided on the VAR trial in 2016, the technology was very different. The protocol was written from scratch and took inspiration from other sports, such as rugby, and video officials had no prior experience. Today, the situation is very different," he said.Beyond the video booth, referees are being handed new tools to speed up the game. Starting from this summer's World Cup, officials will have the power to initiate a five-second countdown for throw ins and set-pieces if they feel players are stalling. Additionally, a strict 10-second limit for substitutions will be enforced, with players who fail to leave the pitch quickly enough forced to wait a full minute before their replacement can enter."The goal is to eliminate, or to eliminate as much as possible, timewasting that hinders the spectacle of the game. Last year we introduced the ‘eight second rule’ for goalkeepers, which has been a great success. There have been very few cases where a corner has been granted. The deterrent has worked," Collina added to La Gazzetta dello Sport in his assessment of the modern game's flow.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingFootball is also moving closer to a "challenge" system similar to tennis or cricket. Football Video Support (FVS), which allows coaches to challenge decisions twice per match, is already being tested in Italy, Malta, and Spain. Collina confirmed the expansion of these trials, stating: "It is probable that in the next weeks we will open the possibility to join the trial for the next season to member association and competition organisers."While the Premier League remains hesitant about some aspects, such as VAR checks on corners, Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham believes the challenge system could be a positive step. Bullingham noted: "It changes the dynamic. It reduces the amount of times when there is a VAR intervention and effectively puts the onus on the coach. That's something which we might continue to learn as we trial that model."
Evolving VAR Protocol and IFAB's Expansion Plans
Pierluigi Collina's blunt remarks at the IFAB meeting shed light on the turbulent relationship between football and VAR, akin to a marriage going through a rough patch. Despite the apparent 'small crisis,' IFAB has expanded the scope of technology to rectify issues like incorrectly-awarded second yellow cards and corner-kicks.
Towards a More Efficient Game: Refereeing Tools and Initiatives
Collina's acknowledgment of the changing technological landscape necessitating updates to officiating protocols highlights football's commitment to adapt. Initiatives like the upcoming five-second countdown for throw-ins and stricter substitution time limits aim to curb timewasting and enhance the flow of the game.
The Introduction of Football Video Support (FVS) and Potential Challenges Ahead
Football's exploration of a 'challenge' system akin to tennis or cricket through FVS signifies a significant shift in officiating dynamics. While some leagues remain cautious about aspects like VAR checks on corners, the potential introduction of a challenge system could empower coaches and reduce excessive VAR interventions, as highlighted by FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham.
