Fans at Euro 2024 will receive more detailed information on video-assisted refereeing (VAR) decisions than ever before, UEFA announced on Wednesday.
Roberto Rosetti, head of UEFA’s refereeing committee, stated that screens at stadiums across Germany will display “technical explanations” of VAR calls to enhance spectator understanding.
A common criticism of VAR technology since its widespread adoption has been the challenge for match-going fans to understand the reasoning behind certain decisions.
“After the video assistance, the technical explanation of the decision will be shown on the giant screens in the stadiums,” explained Rosetti at a press briefing at the Allianz Arena, ahead of the tournament opener on Friday.
Rosetti offered an example of the type of information fans will be given after a VAR call.
“Penalty, handball, Germany’s number nine touched the ball with his left hand, which was in an unnatural position, over his shoulder and extending away from his body,” he said.
At the 2023 Women’s World Cup, officials verbally announced decisions to spectators before resuming play.
Rosetti stated that referees will be able to provide explanations to the team captains, but any other players who challenge decisions or demand information will be cautioned.
This rule was enforced in all three UEFA club competition finals, resulting in two yellow cards in the Champions League final, two yellow cards in the Europa League final, and one yellow card in the Conference League final.
“We do this for the next generations… for football and the image of the game, for the young players and for the young referees,” said Rosetti.
For teams with a goalkeeper as captain — Italy and Slovenia — an outfield player will be chosen before the match to stand in.