Over the past few years, football has seen a major shift with the introduction of VAR, or Video Assistant Referee. From the Premier League to the FIFA World Cup, VAR has become a crucial part of modern football. It has helped bring more fairness to the game by assisting referees in making accurate decisions during key moments.

As Indian football continues to grow in ambition and popularity, it is important that we start thinking about how to integrate VAR into our domestic leagues. More importantly, referees and players in India need to begin preparing for this technology so they are not left behind.

What is VAR and How Does It Work?

VAR is a system that helps referees make better decisions using video replays. A team of officials watches the match from a control room with access to several camera angles. They monitor the game in real time and alert the on-field referee if they notice a clear and obvious error.

However, VAR is only used in four types of situations. These include goals (to check if there was an offside or handball), penalty decisions, direct red cards, and cases of mistaken identity. The final decision always rests with the referee on the pitch, who can either accept the advice from VAR or review the footage on a pitchside screen.

How VAR Was Introduced Globally

The idea for VAR came from the Dutch football association in 2010. After several years of trials, the first live test happened in 2016 during a friendly between Italy and France. Since then, many top leagues and international tournaments have adopted it.

Australia's A-League was the first top-flight league to use VAR in 2017, followed by Major League Soccer in the USA. In Europe, the Bundesliga and Serie A introduced VAR in the 2017-18 season. Spain’s La Liga and France’s Ligue 1 followed a year later. The Premier League brought it in during the 2019-20 season. The FIFA World Cup first used VAR in 2018, which was a turning point in its global acceptance.

Where Does India Stand?

While India is yet to implement full VAR in domestic leagues, there are signs of progress. In the past year, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has written to the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the global body responsible for determining the laws of the game, to explore the possibility of India participating in the trial of the ‘Additional Video Review System’ (AVRS). This system is seen as a lighter and more affordable version of traditional VAR, aimed at helping countries like India take their first steps into technology-assisted refereeing.

At the moment, India’s top football leagues like the Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League do not use VAR. While there have been talks about bringing it in, the lack of infrastructure and trained personnel has delayed the process. But with Indian football aiming to raise its standards and compete globally, VAR will eventually become necessary.

So how can referees and players in India prepare for this change?

Preparing Indian Referees for VAR

1. Training and Certification

Referees in India must be given access to FIFA-certified training programs. These courses teach them how to use VAR technology, understand the rules around it, and handle game situations involving video reviews.

2. Hands-On Practice

Organising mock matches where referees can practice using VAR in a live setting will be useful. These simulations will help them become more confident and accurate when making decisions with the help of replays.

3. Better Communication Skills

Since VAR involves constant communication between the referee on the pitch and the VAR team, referees must improve their language and communication skills. This is especially important for international matches where English is commonly used.

4. Partnerships with Other Countries

India can collaborate with football associations from countries like Australia or Japan to send referees for training or internships. Learning from those who already use VAR regularly will help bridge the experience gap.

Preparing Indian Players for VAR

1. Understanding VAR Rules

Players need to be educated about how VAR works and what situations are reviewable. This includes knowing how VAR checks for fouls, offsides, or handballs. Awareness will help players avoid unnecessary bookings and protests.

2. Playing with Discipline

With more camera angles and slow-motion replays, it is harder to get away with fouls or dives. Players must be more careful and play with greater discipline to avoid punishments.

3. Training for Match Situations

Coaches should include VAR-related situations in their training sessions. This might involve pausing the game to simulate a VAR review or adjusting celebrations in case of possible offside calls.

Why VAR Can Help Indian Football

1. Fairer Matches

VAR can reduce wrong decisions and bring more fairness to the game. This will improve the experience for players, coaches, and fans.

2. Global Exposure

Indian players who are familiar with VAR will find it easier to adapt when playing in international tournaments. This will help them compete on equal terms with players from other countries.

3. Better Referees for Global Events

Once Indian referees are trained in using VAR, they could be considered for international tournaments. This will boost India’s presence in the global football community.

VAR is changing football around the world. It is only a matter of time before it becomes a part of Indian football as well. For that to happen smoothly, both referees and players must be prepared. The focus should be on proper training, better understanding of the system, and improved communication.

While it may take time and investment to build the necessary infrastructure, the long-term benefits will help raise the standard of Indian football. If we want to compete with the best, we must also adopt the tools that help make the game fair, competitive, and in line with global standards.