Sports
EPL Faces VAR Uproar, Managers Push For Reforms
The introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the 2019/20 season was with the objective of eliminating blatant refereeing errors by identifying and correcting significant missed incidents during a football match.
While it was expected to result in more accurate and fair judgements, the English Premier League (EPL) has conceded that achieving 100% accuracy was unfeasible.
Nevertheless, the technology has faced severe scrutiny from Premier League managers who have grown sceptical of its effectiveness, primarily due to recent high-profile incidents that have taken the spotlight away from the actual game-play.
For instance, following his team’s 1-0 defeat last weekend, Arsenal Manager, Mikel Arteta vehemently criticized the decision to allow Newcastle’s goal to stand, denouncing it as a “disgrace.”
Anthony Gordon’s second-half goal underwent scrutiny for three different VAR offenses but managed to withstand all challenges, securing three points for Newcastle.
Arteta told Sky Sports “We didn’t deserve to lose the match. We lost the match because of the clear and obvious decisions. It’s embarrassing. A disgrace.”
Although Mikel Arteta’s remarks were delivered in the heat of the moment, the club issued a strong statement the following day, firmly backing their manager.
Arsenal said “Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening.”
The heated aftermath of the game at St James’ Park mirrored a previous VAR controversy in the high-stakes match between Tottenham and Liverpool in late September.
In that game, officials incorrectly disallowed a goal from Luis Diaz due to a miscommunication regarding the on-field decision, and Tottenham eventually emerged victorious with a 2-1 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) released the audio of the decision that led to the disallowed Diaz goal.
In the recording, video assistant referee Darren England initially deems the check as “perfect” but expresses frustration with a swear word when he realizes a mistake has occurred. He adds in exasperation, “They’ve restarted the game. Can’t do anything, can’t do anything.”
PGMOL admitted a “significant human error” and Liverpool issued a statement in which they said “sporting integrity” had been undermined.
“We fully accept the pressures that match officials work under but these pressures are supposed to be alleviated, not exacerbated, by the existence and implementation of VAR,” the club said.
Liverpool Manager, Jurgen Klopp even went as far as to request a replay of the game. Wolves, on the other hand, have had more significant reasons to be aggrieved, as they had faced four high-profile penalty decisions that went against them, which could have had significant implications.
Arteta remained resolute in his stance ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League match against Sevilla this week, emphasizing that it was the responsibility of managers to address the concerns related to the use of VAR.
He said “Errors are part of evolution. The trajectory is never going to be (always upwards), there are always going to be bumps in the road and these things are necessary to improve the game in the right way.
“But we have to talk loudly. If you have a problem and you put it in your drawer, the problem is in the drawer and it’s going to stink at some point.”
Chief Executive, League Managers Association, Richard Bevan, stated that coaches are eager for changes, such as the video assistant referee working consistently with the same referee each week.
Bevan told Daily Mail “PGMOL have confirmed to us that they are actively looking at how best to incorporate VARs into match-day refereeing teams, to ensure the dynamic between on-field referee and VAR is conducive to producing positive outcomes.
“The managers are also calling for a review (and simplification) of the interpretation of the term ‘clear and obvious’ in VAR decision-making, as this is a cause of much confusion at present.”
Henry Winter, The Times’ chief football writer, called on the Premier League to heed the voices of the club managers.
He said “Anyone who attends a game or watches on television knows that VAR has never been more contentious. Some grown-up debate is required. The starting point is that, love it or loathe it, VAR is here to stay.”
FIFA’s Head of Refereeing, Pierluigi Collina, has firmly defended the integrity and independence of match officials at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, dismissing allegations of bias following Argentina’s controversial 3-2 victory over Egypt in the Round of 16.
The governing body responded after the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) and head coach Hossam Hassan questioned several refereeing decisions that proved decisive in Tuesday’s dramatic encounter, with Egypt accusing officials of applying double standards.
SEE ALSO: Trump Reacts as FIFA Clears Balogun to Face Belgium in World Cup Clash
The North Africans looked set for a famous victory after racing into a two-goal lead before defending champions Argentina staged a stunning comeback, capped by Enzo Fernandez’s stoppage-time winner to book a place in the quarter-finals.
Following the defeat, Hassan suggested there may have been pressure to ensure Lionel Messi and Argentina remained in the tournament, while the EFA formally called on FIFA to investigate what it described as inconsistent officiating.
Reacting to the claims, Collina insisted that while football welcomes debate over refereeing decisions, questioning the integrity of match officials is unacceptable.
“Constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded allegations have no place in our sport,” Collina said.
He warned that such accusations could expose referees and their families to abuse and threats.
“Nobody can question the integrity of the FIFA World Cup match officials. When this happens, it may provoke reactions that lead to threats against them and their families. This is not right,” he added.
The former Italian referee also dismissed suggestions that FIFA’s refereeing department could be influenced by senior officials, including FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
According to Collina, referees operate independently and are trusted to make honest decisions without interference.
Addressing Egypt’s complaints, Collina explained that VAR correctly ruled out Mostafa Zico’s goal because of an earlier foul by Marwan Attia during the attacking phase.
He also defended the decision not to award Mohamed Salah a foul in the build-up to Argentina’s winning goal, saying both the referee and VAR agreed it was “normal football contact” after Julian Alvarez had first played the ball.
Although he acknowledged that some decisions will always involve an element of subjectivity, Collina expressed confidence in the application of VAR throughout the tournament.
Argentina will now continue their title defence in the quarter-finals, while Egypt exits the competition still frustrated by the officiating decisions that overshadowed an enthralling Round of 16 clash.
Norway pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday night, defeating five-time champions Brazil 2-1 to book a place in the quarter-finals.
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland inspired the Scandinavian side with a brilliant second-half brace at MetLife Stadium, ending Brazil’s hopes of winning a record-extending sixth World Cup title.
After a tightly contested encounter, Haaland broke the deadlock in the 79th minute with a powerful header to give Norway the lead.
SEE ALSO: Trump Reacts as FIFA Clears Balogun to Face Belgium in World Cup Clash
Brazil’s hopes of a comeback were dashed in the closing moments when Haaland struck again in the 90th minute, sealing a famous victory for Norway and sending them into the last eight of the tournament.
The result marks one of the competition’s biggest surprises, with Norway eliminating one of the pre-tournament favourites to continue their impressive World Cup campaign.
Norway will now turn their attention to the quarter-finals, while Brazil bow out of the tournament with their quest for a sixth World Cup crown brought to an abrupt end.
United States President Donald Trump has welcomed FIFA’s decision to suspend the red card issued to USA striker Folarin Balogun, clearing the forward to feature in the country’s crucial Round of 16 clash against Belgium at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
FIFA announced the decision on Sunday, overturning the suspension that would have ruled Balogun out of Monday’s knockout encounter after he was sent off during the USA’s match against Bosnia last week.
SEE MORE: Fresh Report Warns Nigeria May Miss Another World Cup If Current NFF Stays
The development comes as a major boost for the United States, with Balogun expected to play a key role in the team’s bid to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
Reacting shortly after FIFA’s announcement, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to praise the governing body for what he described as the right decision.
“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” Trump wrote.
Balogun’s availability is expected to strengthen the American attack against Belgium in one of the standout fixtures of the World Cup Round of 16.
The striker has been a key figure for the USA throughout the tournament, and his return provides a timely boost as the team prepares for one of its toughest tests in the competition.
Shell Boosts Nigerian Content with $518m Contracts in 2025
Court Delivers Major Blow to FG, Voids Eight-Year Retirement Rule for Education Directors
“Release My Son’s Body” – Mother of Slain #EndSARS Journalist Breaks Down Six Years Later
DR Congo Ebola Crisis Deepens as Frontline Health Workers Threaten Strike Over Unpaid Salaries
Tinubu Pushes State Police, Sends Constitutional Amendment Bill to Reps
Presidency Blasts Makinde Over UN Probe Call on Oyo School Abduction
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Tems Sets New Record On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
