Sport

Uefa Referees' Chief Criticizes Some VAR Reviews

Roberto Rosetti, Uefa referees' chief, addresses issues with certain VAR reviews during matches.

11 August 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

Updated: 12 Aug 2026, 21:35AI-generatedWritten by an AI system, editorially responsible — how we work

Archive photo: Uefa Referees' Chief Criticizes Some VAR Reviews — Archive photoPhoto: Brandon Giesbrecht · Flickr · BY

Roberto Rosetti, the chief of Uefa referees, has expressed concerns regarding the application of video assistant referee (VAR) reviews in football. He stated that some of these reviews were not adequately linked to the essence of the game.

According to Rosetti, there have been instances where VAR interventions deviated from the fundamental aspects of football, likening the situation to the superficial nature of video games rather than the reality of a competitive sport.

His remarks come amid ongoing discussions about the effectiveness and appropriateness of VAR technology in enhancing officiating standards. Rosetti's criticism highlights the need to ensure that VAR decisions align closely with the game's principles.

The statement has drawn attention to the broader implications of technology in sports. Uefa's approach to VAR has been scrutinized, with calls for a more concise application focused on the critical elements of match officiating.

Rosetti's comments resonate with the ongoing debates amongst fans, players, and officials regarding the balance between utilizing technology and preserving the natural flow of the game. This dialogue continues as Uefa evaluates its implementation of VAR.

This item was written by an AI system on the basis of the headlines and short teasers of the independently operating newsrooms named below. We disclose this under Art. 50(4), second subparagraph, of Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 (AI Act). Before publication we check origin and verifiability — anything that appears in only one place is not published — as well as language, substance and legally sensitive content. No separate substantive review of each individual item by a natural person takes place; we therefore do not rely on the exemption in Art. 50(4), second subparagraph, of the AI Act. Editorial responsibility for this publication rests with the person named in the imprint (§ 18 Abs. 2 MStV). Please report errors to [email protected] — we will correct or remove the item. Full reports are available from the sources listed.