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*MAJOR EVENT* Invention of slow motion for motion picture cameras
in 1920, Pine Bluff's Owen's invented slow motion for motion picture technology. VAR uses this slow motion technology to get better angles and show replays so the right call can be made. -
*MAJOR EVENT: VAR Orgin
Virtual Assistant Referee (VAR) is the introduction of camera technology such as different angles, slow motion, etc to reduce human error and is utilized for close offsides, card penalties, penalty kicks, etc. The idea first game into proposal by the Royal Netherlands Football Association from around 2010-2013. -
*MAJOR EVENT* FIFA Corruption Scandal
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) which had a leadership change following a huge corruption scandal. The president who was opposed to new technology in the game was forced out, replaced by one who was excited for the more fair aspect of the game. This is a major event because the change in leadership has allowed new ideas and invention with the VAR technology. -
*MINOR EVENT* VAR First Trials
Some of the first VAR trials were run in the United States in 2016. -
*MAJOR EVENT* VAR in League matches
In April of 2017, the A-league of Australia became the first professional top-flight league to introduce VAR into matches. In August of 2017, surprisingly the United States adopted full time use of VAR after the MLS all-star game. This shows that other leagues around the world were starting to implement this technology. -
*MINOR EVENT* Refereeing Accuracy
In the 2018 Men's World Cup, the accuracy of refereeing decisions was 95.60% when VAR was not employed and 99.35% when VAR was used. This just shows that critical errors were reduced and accuracy is improving. -
*MINOR EVENT* 2018 World Cup
Russia hosted the 2018 World Cup and Putin was concerned with the legitimacy of the tournament. Russia as the host would look bad if the tournament was officiated poorly so they implemented the latest VAR technology in the tournament to improve legitimacy. -
*MAJOR EVENT* First VAR Training Center
The first VAR training facility opened in early 2018 located in Coverciano, Italy. This facility is equipped with a simulator that allows the referees to run through game-like situations. This is operated by Roberto Rosetti who has been working on VAR projects. This allows the referees to experience the functions of VAR running through different scenarios. The training will improve accuracy of officiating. -
*MAJOR EVENT* IFAB Agreement
On March 3rd 2018, IFAB agreed to allow the use of VARs. The league and professional game match officials did extensive testing during the 2018/19 season in live matches. The testing was successful which confirmed the introduction of VAR in 2019/20. -
*MAJOR EVENT* VAR continuing in 2020/21
At the Annual General Meeting on August 6th, 2020, the Premier League's shareholders approved the use of VAR in line with the full FIFA VAR protocol for a second season.