VAR: UEFA board calls for technology improvements - 'More consistent, transparent and understandable'

The UEFA Football Board has stressed the need for the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology to be "more consistent, transparent and understandable".

Legendary former Portugal midfielder Luis Figo chaired the meeting which also included a host of other iconic names from sport, such as Rio Ferdinand, Rafael Benitez, Patrick Vieira and Petr Cech.

The board was put together by Europe's football governing body in 2023 to help give an independent view on football-related matters.

They concluded that VAR should be used to assist referees when required and that work is needed to make the system more efficient for all.

A statement on the UEFA website read: “The board recommended working towards ensuring its use is more consistent, transparent and understandable for players, coaches and fans.

“VAR should be seen as a tool helping referees and its interventions should not be perceived as a negative judgement on referees themselves. It is clear as that not everything on the pitch may be seen by the referee.”

VAR was called into the question at the weekend, with Nottingham Forest angered by the decisions made in their 2-0 defeat to Everton on Sunday.

The club has since requested the audio between the officials to be made public in order to have "full transparency" regarding the decision-making process.

The post said: "Nottingham Forest has today submitted a formal request to the PGMOL to release into the public domain the audio recordings between officials during yesterday’s match against Everton at Goodison Park.

"The club has requested this be shared for three key match incidents - Ashley Young’s challenge on Giovanni Reyna (24th minute), Ashley Young’s handball (44th minute) and Ashley Young’s challenge on Callum Hudson-Odoi (56th minute).

"We firmly advocate for the broader football community and supporters to have access to the audio and transcript for full transparency, ensuring the integrity of our sport is upheld."

Separately, there was also the need to improve player behaviour towards the match officials and help to eradicate time-wasting and diving from the match.

The statement also said: "The behaviour of players and coaches towards match officials in several recent instances has become a critical issue and does not contribute positively to the good image of the game.

"The board concluded that it is important for coaches to set the example for their teams and for the mobbing of officials to be eliminated."

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