The Impact of VAR Decisions on Premier League Clubs

Since its introduction in 2017, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has become an integral part of soccer, for better or worse. It has revolutionized the way games are played, refereed, watched, and discussed around the world. Prior to VAR, decisions made by referees were final, and fans could celebrate goals without fear or waiting for replays. The offside law was simpler to understand, and endless debates over referees’ decisions were nonexistent.

VAR was initially brought in to eliminate controversial mistakes that had historically affected the outcome of games. Instances of injustice in soccer history, such as Diego Maradona’s notorious “Hand of God” goal against England in the 1986 World Cup and Frank Lampard’s disallowed goal against Germany in the 2010 World Cup, prompted calls for technology to ensure fairness.

ESPN has revisited some of the most memorable moments in soccer history and analyzed how VAR would have changed their outcomes. These incidents, although some lesser-known, have the potential to alter the careers of players, managers, and teams involved.

One notable case involves soccer manager Jose Mourinho, who became a household name after his iconic celebration during FC Porto’s victory over Manchester United in the 2003-04 Champions League. Before this match, Mourinho was relatively unknown outside of Portugal. Porto’s triumph in that season’s Champions League set Mourinho on a path to success, with subsequent achievements at Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and AS Roma. However, if VAR had been in place, Manchester United’s goal disallowed due to an erroneous offside call would have stood, potentially changing the outcome of the game and Mourinho’s subsequent career trajectory.

Another significant moment in soccer history affected the United States’ performance in the 2002 World Cup. The U.S. advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time in the modern era but were defeated by Germany due, in part, to a handball by Torsten Frings that went unnoticed by the referee. With VAR, this infraction would have been reviewed, potentially resulting in a penalty kick for the United States and a chance to level the score. A victory in that match would have propelled the U.S. team into the semifinals, altering the nation’s perception of the men’s soccer program.

In the 2011-12 season, Manchester City secured their first Premier League title in 44 years with a dramatic comeback against Queens Park Rangers. However, a month earlier, City benefited from a stroke of luck in their match against Wigan Athletic. During the game, a goal by Wigan was disallowed due to an incorrect offside decision. If VAR had been in place, this goal would have counted, potentially impacting the outcome of the league title race between Manchester City and Manchester United.

These examples highlight the potential game-changing nature of VAR decisions. They illustrate how technology can influence the course of matches, careers, and even the perception of a sport. While VAR has its critics, there is no denying its impact on soccer and the ongoing debate it sparks among fans and experts alike.