News
THU 30.03.2017
Question: The use of VAR in the friendly between France and Spain was hailed as a resounding success. The players were happy with it, FIFA publicly expressed its satisfaction and it's becoming faster. How would you evaluate video refereeing?
Answer: The France v Spain example was crystal clear and proves the success of VAR. It was used with great diligence, it influenced key moments in the game and prevented an incorrect change of the scoreline. The facts speak for themselves. VAR is beneficial for football. It's a technological development that provides quick decisions at crucial times.
Q: As a CTA member, what's the biggest advantage of VAR?
A: The biggest advantage is that it keeps the scoreline as it should be and addresses any mistakes or doubts on the field of play very quickly. VAR is good for football and for the game's development. The essence of our sport mustn't be damaged by the use of VAR and it won't be.
Q: What does VAR mean for referees, aside from being a technological advancement?
A: VAR makes things crystal clear. We're working with a very rigorous protocol that involves silent monitoring during the game and the official subsequently intervening at key points if necessary. Decision-making time is going down, making it a wonderful tool for referees. Although changes are always reluctantly received at first, we have to reassure officials that this is the correct protocol. The results will be positive.
Q: Are Spanish referees at risk of falling behind compared with those in other leagues if they don't start working on this project?
A: VAR is inevitable and unstoppable. It's coming and we have to adapt to it. It would be a mistake to let ourselves fall behind and not keep up with this matter. Spanish referees must not only learn and work with this system, but we have to be on committees to offer our opinions because we have so much to bring to the table. Spanish refereeing has the ability and importance required to be on committees geared towards developing VAR.
Q: Do you think VAR might replace referees?
A: VAR is an improvement to our job, not to our conditions. Referees aren't part of a trade union. First of all, we have to see it as a useful tool for football. I'll say it again: quick interventions via VAR are positive. Of course, there will still be officials during games; VAR isn't a robot. If we think logically, in quantitative terms, it will create more jobs because there'll be more referees working with VAR in other areas and settings. That isn't the important aspect for me. The underlying point is that it's good for football.
Q: VAR has the backing of players, clubs, LaLiga and many institutions. What else does it need in order for it to be completely accepted in Spain?
A: The situation is irreversible. VAR is coming. That's why the best way forward is if we all get on the same page as soon as we can, meaning the Spanish Football Federation, LaLiga and all the groups that are part of it and have a say, so that VAR can be incorporated as quickly as possible. It's a no-brainer and it simply can't be a step back. We have to take this step forward right away.
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