The Bundesliga is exploring the possibility of introducing a VAR app to enhance transparency between officials and fans, with the earliest possible implementation being the second half of the season.
Following similar initiatives in other countries, German authorities are taking an innovative step to keep fans instantly informed and provide explanations for decisions. Jochen Drees, the former referee turned DFB innovation director, discussed the concept and its planned rollout for the 2023/24 season.
“We believe that an app can serve as a tool for stadium spectators,” said the 53-year-old, “The idea phase is complete, and we are currently in the planning stage, figuring out how to successfully implement it. The gold standard should ensure that stadium attendees and TV viewers see the same VAR images. Fans at the stadium should have the same experience as those watching on television.”
Drees acknowledged that there are various aspects to consider through trial and error to perfect any potential smartphone app. He added, “This includes addressing issues related to rights and ensuring the system works flawlessly in the stadium. If stadium attendees are simply glued to their smartphones, it wouldn’t be productive.”
In its early stages, VAR check footage has been displayed on English television screens, while spectators at matches do not have access to the same information and instead see a graphic on the stadium’s big screens indicating the “check in process,” followed by the outcome.
The Premier League and the referee governing body PGMOL have been striving for greater transparency in their procedures since Howard Webb assumed the role of chief refereeing officer, even before any controversies emerged. At the end of the previous season, the “Mic’d Up” program was introduced, offering fans the first-ever access to officials’ audio during key decisions, and starting this season, it has become a regular monthly feature.
Regrettably, Webb and his colleagues have found themselves embroiled in controversy due to the “significant human error” that resulted in the disallowance of Luis Diaz’s legitimate goal for Liverpool against Tottenham Hotspur last month. This has made the task of explaining themselves even more challenging.
Although this is a hypothetical scenario, if an app with the features outlined by Drees had been available to fans inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, they would have been able to view the live feed confirming that Diaz’s goal should have been allowed, thereby quickly recognizing an issue between Simon Hooper and Darren England.