UEFA to Introduce VAR in Under-21 European Championships
The Under-21 European Championships have been marred by controversial decisions, leading UEFA to announce a rule change. The tournament, which is being held in Romania and Georgia, has not used VAR or goal-line technology until now. However, following the Italy vs France game, UEFA has decided to introduce VAR from the quarter-finals onwards.
During the match, it appeared that a ball had crossed the line, but the referee did not award a goal. This was just one of several flashpoints that the referee, Allard Lindhout, missed during the game. There was also a foul in the build-up to France’s winner on Caleb Okoli and a handball by Pierre Kalulu in his own box. To make matters worse, Lindhout also missed a ‘ghost goal’ when Raoul Bellanova scored an equaliser in the dying embers of the match.
The apparent mistakes left Italy boss Paolo Nicolato fuming with the decisions. Speaking to Sky Italy after the game, he said: “I don’t expect the referee’s apologies, he too won’t be satisfied with himself. The impression I get is that the referees are used to using VAR; without it, they no longer know how to make decisions quickly.”
Nicolato went on to say: “I’m sorry to go back to it, but it’s not just a question of VAR. There have been some episodes that have little to do with VAR and that the whole stadium saw without the need for VAR. I’m referring in particular to the foul on Okoli which happened in front of me and there was both the fourth official and the linesman.”
UEFA’s decision to introduce VAR from the quarter-finals onwards will come as a relief to many fans and players who have been frustrated by controversial decisions during the tournament. The use of VAR has become increasingly common in football, with many leagues and tournaments now using the technology to assist referees in making decisions.
VAR, or Video Assistant Referee, is a system that allows referees to review decisions made during a match using video footage. The system is designed to help referees make more accurate decisions and reduce the number of controversial incidents that occur during games.
The introduction of VAR in the Under-21 European Championships is likely to be welcomed by players and fans alike. The tournament is an important event for young players hoping to make a name for themselves in the world of football, and controversial decisions can have a significant impact on their careers.
The decision to introduce VAR from the quarter-finals onwards is also likely to be seen as a positive step by UEFA. The organisation has been criticised in the past for its handling of controversial incidents, and the introduction of VAR is a clear sign that it is taking steps to address these issues.
In conclusion, the decision by UEFA to introduce VAR in the Under-21 European Championships from the quarter-finals onwards is a positive step for the tournament. The use of VAR has become increasingly common in football, and its introduction will help to reduce the number of controversial incidents that occur during games. It is also likely to be welcomed by players and fans alike, who will be hoping for a fair and exciting end to the tournament.