Bundesliga Referees to Announce VAR Decisions in Stadiums
A pilot program starting this weekend will see referees explain video review decisions to fans in nine selected Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga stadiums.
- The pilot program aims to increase transparency and understanding of VAR decisions by having referees announce explanations via stadium loudspeakers.
- The test phase will begin with five matches this weekend, including Bayern Munich vs. Holstein Kiel and Eintracht Frankfurt vs. VfL Wolfsburg.
- Nine stadiums, including those of Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, and SC Freiburg, have been selected for the trial, which will run until the season's end.
- The initiative follows similar practices in American football and ice hockey and takes inspiration from past trials in the Portuguese league and the 2023 Women's World Cup.
- Concerns have been raised about potential technical issues, longer game interruptions, and referee discomfort, but officials emphasize thorough preparation and training.
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