How Long Does VAR Exist? The Complete History of Video Technology in Football

How Long Does VAR Exist? The Complete History of Video Technology in Football

Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has officially existed in professional football since its first live trials in 2016, following a development phase that began in the early 2010s. Since its high-profile integration into the 2018 FIFA World Cup, VAR has transformed from an experimental project into a global standard used in over 100 major leagues and competitions worldwide.

Football moves fast, but technology moves faster. For many fans, it feels like the Video Assistant Referee has been around forever, while others still remember the "pure" days of the game. To understand how long does VAR exist, we must look beyond the screen and into the boardrooms of the Netherlands, where the seeds of this digital revolution were first planted. This article provides a deep dive into the timeline, the tech, and the future of officiating.

The Origin Story: Refereeing 2.0

The concept of VAR didn't appear overnight. It started with a project called "Refereeing 2.0," led by the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) in 2010. The goal was simple: reduce match-changing errors. By studying the game's flow, officials realized that certain decisions—like offsides or phantom fouls—happened too quickly for the human eye to judge accurately every time.

1. 2010-2012: The KNVB conducted mock trials where a "video referee" communicated with the lead official during Dutch league games, though the on-field ref couldn't act on the advice yet.
2. 2014: The KNVB formally petitioned the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to allow live testing of the system.
3. 2016: The IFAB approved a two-year trial period, marking the true birth of VAR as an active part of the sport.
4. August 2016: The first live trial took place in a United Soccer League (USL) match between New York Red Bulls II and Orlando City B.
5. December 2016: VAR made its debut in a FIFA competition during the Club World Cup, where a penalty was awarded via video review for the first time.

When we ask how long does VAR exist, we are really looking at a decade-long journey from a Dutch boardroom to the global stage. It wasn't just about cameras; it was about changing the philosophy of football officiating forever.

Global Adoption Timeline

Following the successful trials in 2016, the world’s biggest leagues began to adopt the technology at different speeds. The transition was not without controversy, as players and fans had to adjust to the "wait for the check" moment that now defines modern match days.

1. A-League and MLS (2017) 📌 In April 2017, the Australian A-League became the first top-tier professional league to implement VAR. Major League Soccer followed shortly after in August 2017.
2. Bundesliga and Serie A (2017) 📌 Two of Europe's "Big Five" leagues jumped in early, starting the 2017-18 season with video technology, serving as a massive test case for European football.
3. The 2018 World Cup 📌 This was the turning point. FIFA's decision to use VAR in Russia proved the tech was ready for the highest pressure. It was widely considered a success, despite some growing pains.
4. Champions League and Premier League (2019) 📌 After watching from the sidelines, the Premier League finally adopted VAR for the 2019-20 season. The Champions League introduced it during the knockout stages of the 2018-19 season.

Competition	Year Introduced	Initial Impact
MLS (USA)	2017	First major league in the Americas to adopt.
Serie A (Italy)	2017	Focused on reducing "clear and obvious" errors early.
FIFA World Cup	2018	Global validation of the technology.
Premier League (UK)	2019	Heavy focus on pixel-perfect offside lines.
Champions League	2019	Implemented in the round of 16.

The Technology: How VAR Functions

The Video Assistant Referee is not just one person sitting with a laptop. It is a sophisticated operation involving multiple high-definition camera angles, dedicated fiber-optic lines, and a team of experts. Understanding the "how" is just as important as knowing how long does VAR exist.

• The VOR Room The Video Operation Room is where the magic happens. A lead VAR, an assistant VAR, and replay operators monitor every second of the match.
• Check Categories VAR can only intervene in four specific scenarios: Goals, Penalties, Direct Red Cards, and Mistaken Identity.
• The Review Process If the VAR spots a potential error, they notify the on-field referee. The referee can then choose to accept the advice or view the footage on the pitch-side monitor.
• Calibrated Lines For offside decisions, the system uses 3D geometry to draw lines on the screen, ensuring that even a few millimeters of difference are detected.

By combining these technical layers, football has seen a massive increase in correct decisions. Statistics from various leagues show that accuracy for "match-changing" moments has risen from approximately 94% to nearly 99% since VAR began its existence.

Evolution and Challenges

Since its inception, VAR has undergone several updates. It isn't a static piece of software; it's an evolving system. The most significant update in recent years is Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT), which uses limb-tracking AI to make decisions even faster.

However, the length of time VAR has existed hasn't silenced the critics. Fans often complain about the time taken to reach a decision. The "flow" of the game is frequently cited as the main victim. To address this, FIFA and IFAB are constantly tweaking the protocols to ensure reviews are completed in less than 60 seconds whenever possible.

Important Note: VAR is designed to catch "Clear and Obvious" errors. It is not intended to re-referee every minor foul. The final decision always rests with the official on the pitch.

The Cultural Impact on Fans and Players

The existence of VAR has changed how we celebrate goals. That momentary hesitation—the "VAR Check" appearing on the stadium screen—has added a new layer of tension to the sport. Players now have to be more careful with their challenges in the box, knowing that a hidden camera is always watching.

1. End of "Hand of God" moments: It is now virtually impossible for a player to score with their hand without being caught.
2. Referee Protection: While they face more scrutiny, referees have a safety net that prevents them from making career-ending mistakes.
3. Data Integration: Broadcasters now use VAR replays to explain rules to viewers, making the game more educational for casual fans.
4. Transparency: In some leagues, the audio between the referee and the VAR room is now being released after matches to improve transparency.

Why VAR is Here to Stay

Some traditionalists hope VAR will eventually disappear, but the reality is the opposite. The financial stakes in modern football—reaching billions of dollars in prize money and TV rights—are too high to leave to human error alone.

• Increased Fairness Small teams are less likely to be "bullied" by big-name players or intimidating stadium atmospheres.
• Professional Growth VAR officials are now becoming a specialized career path within refereeing.
• Future-Proofing As AI becomes more advanced, VAR will become faster and less intrusive, likely evolving into a completely automated system for objective calls like offsides.

Summary: Since 2016, VAR has evolved from a Dutch experiment into an essential pillar of the sport. While controversy remains, the data shows that the game is objectively fairer than it was a decade ago. The question is no longer "should it exist?" but "how can we make it faster?"

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What was the first league to use VAR?
The Australian A-League was the first top-tier league to use it live in 2017.

2. Can VAR change a yellow card to a red?
Yes, if the VAR believes the foul warrants a direct red card, they can advise the referee to review it. However, they cannot review a second yellow card leading to a red.

3. Who invented VAR?
The project was spearheaded by the KNVB (Netherlands) under the leadership of Gijs de Jong.

4. Does VAR check every goal?
Yes, every single goal scored is checked in the background by the VAR team for potential fouls or offsides.

5. Is VAR used in every country?
No, while it is used in most major leagues, many smaller nations or lower divisions do not use it due to the high cost of installation and training.

Conclusion: The Future of Officiating

To answer how long does VAR exist is to trace the timeline of football’s modernization. For nearly a decade, the system has worked to eliminate injustice on the pitch. While the "soul" of the game is often debated in the context of technology, the pursuit of truth in sports is a noble one.

As we look forward, expect VAR to become more integrated, using artificial intelligence and faster cameras to ensure that the beautiful game remains both exciting and fair. Whether you love it or hate it, the Video Assistant Referee is now a permanent member of the football family.

Final Tip: If you want to stay updated on the latest VAR rule changes, always check the IFAB official website, as they update the Laws of the Game every summer.

Expert Verdict: VAR has existed long enough to prove its value. While it still needs refinement in terms of speed, the era of massive officiating blunders deciding league titles is largely over.

Published by: Football Tech Insights Team - January 2026