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AFA Publishes VAR Audio After Contentious Supercopa Final

The recordings lay out why referees awarded a penalty and declined a handball and could influence pending disciplinary and legal actions.

Overview

  • The Asociación del Fútbol Argentino released the VAR audio on Monday to explain two decisive calls in Rosario Central’s 3-1 win over Estudiantes, making the referees’ exchange public.
  • The audio shows VAR officials told referee Darío Herrera that Leandro González Pírez made an ‘imprudent’ contact on Enzo Copetti that, after an on‑field review, was ruled a penalty.
  • VAR recordings and officials concluded the ball hit Rosario Central defender Ignacio Ovando’s arm but that the arm was in a natural position and therefore did not meet the criteria for a penalty.
  • Jorge Baliño, the VAR chief, publicly defended the process and urged critics to produce legal evidence while a lawyer has filed a criminal complaint seeking preservation of VAR records and communications.
  • The AFA Tribunal de Disciplina is preparing to consider sanctions for Juan Sebastián Verón and several Estudiantes players with a ruling expected when the tribunal meets on Thursday, and officials are weighing how to apply suspensions given rule gaps for one‑match cups.