Norway Could Be the First Nation to Abolish VAR in Soccer

Norway is on the verge of becoming the first nation to eliminate Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology from its top-flight soccer league. Clubs in the Eliteserien, Norway's premier division, are reportedly collaborating to phase out the controversial system, which was introduced in 2023.

While Sweden's Allsvenskan opted against introducing VAR in 2024, no country has yet implemented the technology and subsequently decided to remove it. Lillestrom Sports Club chairman Raymond Gabrielsen stated that his club has a formal resolution to "actively work to phase out VAR," and that the club's board supports this initiative.

"This means, among other things, that we have a dialogue with other top clubs and are working on concrete initiatives that could lead to a liquidation," Gabrielsen told Norwegian broadcaster TV2. "We are against the very idea behind VAR. However, we believe that the quality of the current solution neither corresponds to what was communicated at the time of its introduction, nor to the expectations that have been created that the system would improve over time."

Gabrielsen added, "We therefore believe that the matter should be ripe for a new assessment, where the clubs that use the system should be heard."

Norwegian clubs had previously proposed abandoning VAR last year, but the motion was defeated by a significant majority. The sentiment against VAR appears to be growing, fueled by ongoing fan protests.

Similar controversies surrounding VAR have been prevalent in other leagues. In 2024, English club Wolves attempted to advocate for VAR's removal from the Premier League, but their proposal was outvoted 19-1 by the league's other member clubs. The technology continues to be a source of debate and criticism in many footballing nations.