The evolution of football has undergone a significant transformation, where the introduction of technology has altered the dynamics of the game. The universal order of this sport has changed, with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) now taking precedence over other aspects of the game. Decisions are made based on technological criteria, rather than the regulation or arbitration itself. This shift has led to a star system, where the VAR referee holds prominence over the players.
In recent times, it has become common to see professionals and commentators trying to explain situations that do not have a clear explanation. The use of VAR has created a new narrative, where the same actions are judged differently depending on the context. The phrase “in my football, this was not a penalty” is often heard, highlighting the change in the way the game is perceived.
The use of technology has reduced the importance of the referee’s interpretation of the game. The speed, intentionality of the player, and the ability to interpret the field are no longer the primary factors in making decisions. Instead, the referee is presented with a slowed-down video, and the decision is made based on a frame-by-frame analysis. This approach has led to a lack of consistency, with decisions appearing to be random and unpredictable.
A recent example of this was the derby, where two significant actions took place. The non-expulsion of Ceballos and the penalty awarded to Tchouaméni were both influenced by the VAR. In both cases, the VAR referee, Burgos Bengoetxea, had more power than the on-field referee, Soto Grade. The decision to award a penalty was made solely based on cinematographic criteria, without considering the footballing context.
The derby highlighted the limitations of the on-field referee, who was unable to make significant decisions due to the influence of the VAR. Soto Grade managed the game well, but his decisions were overridden by Burgos Bengoetxea. This phenomenon is not unique to the derby, but rather a reflection of the current state of football. The naturalness of the game and the art of arbitration have been reduced, with technology now playing a dominant role.
The introduction of VAR has brought about a new era in football, often referred to as “neofútbol.” The game is no longer solely about the players, but about the technology that governs it. The emphasis on technology has led to a lack of consistency and unpredictability, making it challenging for fans and players to understand the game. As the sport continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the balance between technology and human interpretation will be struck.
