UEFA has confirmed on Thursday that Video assistant referees (VAR) will be used in the Champions League from next season.
VAR to be included in the UEFA competitions too from next year.
The technology will also be used in Europa League. However, a year later from 2020-21. It will also be introduced in the 2019 UEFA Super Cup, Euro 2020 and the UEFA Nations League finals in 2021.
VAR was used in the World Cup in Russia which turned out to be a successful move. Many vital decisions were taken with the help of the technology. However, many criticized too as it slows down the momentum of the game.
From this seasons, VAR has been introduce in La Liga and Seria A too.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said in a statement:
“We are confident that introducing Video Assistant Referees in August 2019 will give us enough time to put in place a robust system. And to train match officials to ensure an efficient and successful implementation of VAR in the UEFA Champions League, the world’s flagship club competition.”
Earlier, the UEFA president said VAR would be introduced from the playoff round onwards. But he has now ruled out the chances and said it will not be used in any European competition this season.
Slowly VAR is getting introduced in almost all the leagues. It is now used in Europe’s top leagues, including La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga, Ligue 1 and Portugal’s Primeira Liga.
However, the English Premier League has decided like UEFA to further test the technology. Though, it is expected to approve its use from next season. But, it has been used at several Carabao Cup matches in England this season. And it will also be used in multiple FA Cup ties in the future.
