Overview

• Friedrich Merz said on ARD’s Caren Miosga that he would have nothing against abolishing VAR and trusting referees’ decisions.
• He called the issue difficult and said he has no final opinion, noting VAR can correct errors even as he questioned the pursuit of total perfection.
• Merz argued the on-field officiating team should decide incidents, pointing to the presence of multiple referees at each match.
• The reports highlight Merz’s long association with Borussia Dortmund, including past service on the club’s supervisory board.
• Coverage notes VAR has been used in Germany’s top two leagues since 2017 and 2020, has reduced wrong decisions, and remains criticized for long interruptions, uncertain celebrations, and perceived loss of referee autonomy.