As the technology becomes more widespread and available, more soccer leagues and cups adopt the video assistant referee, or VAR. This fifth official works behind the scenes to identify several infractions that may go unnoticed on the field. VAR works to address fouls. That can be a foul in the build-up to a goal or […]

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has admitted that he purposely avoided correcting a mistake during a match last season while on VAR duty. The now retired official made the claim while on the Up Front podcast with Simon Jordan. According to Dean, he failed to ask match referee Anthony Taylor to review an incorrect […]

Bolton Wanderers manager Ian Evatt picked up a red card late in the side's 3-1 victory against Fleetwood on Tuesday for illegal use of technology. No, he did not show bad behavior or throw out any abusive language. Instead, referees kicked Evatt out of the match for telling the fourth official that he made a […]

Premier League's renowned referee, Mike Dean, has decided to retire as a video assistant referee, marking the end of his involvement officiating professional English soccer. Standing down before the start of the new season, he ends a career that began as a rookie assistant referee in the Football League and lasted for 28 years. At […]

According to UEFA, the video-assistant-referee (VAR) technology is designed to review "match-changing" incidents, specifically focusing on four scenarios. These are goals, incidents in the penalty area, red cards, and cases of mistaken identity. Its primary purpose is to assist the on-field referee by identifying "clear and obvious" mistakes. In the case of a goal being […]

Significant Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decisions will reportedly be explained on a microphone during the upcoming Women's World Cup. Sources at ESPN claim that FIFA has made the move to help fans better understand major decisions. This includes both the fans inside the stadium, as well as those watching along on TV at home. The […]

A recent study indicates the majority of leagues across the globe favor televised discussions between referees and the VAR booth. PGMOL, the referee body of the EFL, wants to make the game more open. Therefore, it is plotting to provide more consistent glimpses into these conversations throughout the next season. In reality, there has been […]

UEFA is reportedly ready to introduce VAR to the 2023 U-21 Euros currently underway. The European governing body of the sport is deciding after a massive refereeing mistake during a match on Thursday. However, while the tournament just began, reports claim integrating the technology will take time. According to Italian sources, UEFA has made the […]

Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has become one of the more contentious topics of discussion for soccer fans. While it was introduced to help limit controversy, it has, instead, practically fueled debates regarding refereeing decisions. Now, a survey led by fans in England shows that VAR is currently as unpopular as ever. The BBC published a […]

FIFA's semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) will not be coming to the Premier League anytime soon. The English top flight has reportedly rejected the chance to introduce the technology ahead of the 2023/24 season. This is despite the fact that a series of VAR-rated blunders plagued the league in recent years. The technology quickly tracks players' […]

The audio between on-field referees and VAR officials in the Premier League is now available. As the officials deliberate potential penalties and red cards, they discuss the minute details of what may or may not be an infraction. Match Officials Mic'd Up is a Premier League show that goes into these conversations. PGMOL Chief Refereeing […]

NBC Sports is launching a special episode entitled Match Officials Mic'd Up this Monday on its YouTube channel. The program allows us to hear previously unreleased audio of Premier League referees for the first time. The broadcast includes unreleased audio between referees and VAR officials from the 22/23 Premier League season with explanations from PGMOL […]

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has admitted VAR made a mistake in Tottenham's controversial 2-1 win over Brighton on Saturday. Referee chief Howard Webb contacted Brighton to apologize for the mistake. A thrilling match that pitted two contenders for European football against each other saw numerous controversies, one of which came in the […]

The future of Mike Dean as a Premier League VAR official is in serious doubt. The former referee retired from his on-pitch duties at the end of the last season and transitioned to working in the review booth. However, the Daily Mail has revealed that Dean has not been appointed as a VAR official in […]

Lee Mason has not been selected as a video assistant referee for this weekend's Premier League fixtures. Mason has been under pressure since he failed to correctly check for offside during Brentford's tying goal against Arsenal on Saturday. Checking potential offside in the buildup for goals is one of the key job attributes of a […]