The video review system, commonly known as VAR, has been in use in football matches since August 2016, although it was not tested in a competitive match until April 2017. The VAR was designed to reduce refereeing errors, but sometimes even more controversy surrounds it. During Euro 2024, referee decisions after VAR intervention were explained to fans on large screens. “Information on why referees are analyzing a given situation was to be displayed on the screen and not leave fans in suspense” – we wrote on Sport.pl.
Not everyone is in favour of using VAR, however. Norway is one of them. During the Brann-Haugesund match, fans sent a remote-controlled car onto the pitch, to which a can of red smoke was attached. The car also had a flag with the slogan “ABOLISH VAR – save football”. In turn, during the Tromso-KFUM Oslo match, fans threw tennis balls onto the pitch. “I think it is a completely natural development of resistance that has always existed,” commented Carl-Erik Torp, expert for NRK television.
Are such methods of protest not enough? During the Rosenborg – Lillestrom match, fans threw fish patties, tennis balls and smoke candles onto the pitchThe match was interrupted four times, and the referee eventually ended the match prematurely. “We hear about concerns about VAR, but it is important to emphasize that nothing can justify actions that affect players and the game. Fans have other legal channels open for dialogue and to exert influence on various matters. We have crossed the line,” said Lise Klaveness, president of the Norwegian Football Association.
– Actions directed at the pitch during a football match are irresponsible and destructive, and a serious breach of the principles on which we base all our cooperation in Norwegian sport. It is irresponsible, Klaveness added.
The daily newspaper “Verdens Gang” conducted a survey in July this year among clubs from the two highest levels of competition in Norway, which showed that ten teams would like to get rid of VAR permanently. The remaining clubs either wanted to keep VAR in football or were neutral about it. Bodo/Glimt, a recent rival of Jagiellonia Białystok in the Champions League qualifiers, is against this system.
– I understand that the Norwegian FA wants to divert attention from VAR and focus on the fan protests. However, they have to accept a little civil disobedience. The potential for damage from us is minimal. The fans as a whole are aware of what they are protesting against, said Ole Kristian Sandvik, spokesman for the Norwegian Supporters' Alliance (NSA).
VAR to Disappear from Norway? This Could Be the First Country in Europe
According to the latest reports in the Norwegian media, advanced talks are underway between the Norwegian FA and club representatives to withdraw VAR from football matches. The Norwegians have been using the system since April last year. The decision on the future of VAR in Norway will not be made until March 25 next year during the general meeting of the federation's authorities. If the actions of the clubs and fans are effective, Norway will be the first country in Europe to first start using VAR and then withdraw from it.
It is worth adding that the football season in Norway is played in a spring-autumn system. Bodo/Glimt will compete in the Europa League, while Molde will represent the Norwegian Conference League.