UNAIR NEWS – In 2023, the Chairman of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), Erick Thohir, announced the debut of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in Indonesian Liga 1, scheduled for February 2024. However, in reality, the first trial of VAR in Indonesian football was in early March 2024, precisely during the final match of the Elite Pro Academy Liga 1 U-20 2023/2024 between Persita Tangerang U-20 and Persis Solo U-20.
VAR is a technological innovation designed to assist referees in making crucial or controversial decisions during matches. It comprises an additional team of referees who monitor the game through video footage from various angles.
Rodik Wahyu Indrawan SST MTrT, a lecturer in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Engineering at Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), elucidated the primary function of VAR in its debut in Indonesian football. According to him, VAR not only aids referee decision-making but also plays a pivotal role in enhancing fairness, reducing controversies, and bolstering match integrity.
“VAR provides clarity on decisions made by referees. It significantly reduces the potential for debates and confusion arising from controversial decisions. Through the use of VAR, Indonesian football demonstrates a commitment to improving refereeing standards and ensuring that matches are conducted fairly and transparently,” he explained.
Advantages and disadvantages
Rodik added that VAR has proven effective in enhancing fairness and accuracy in matches across various parts of the world. The implementation of VAR in Indonesia is a positive step with hopes of bringing significant benefits to football development.
However, like a double-edged sword, VAR also presents several challenges alongside its benefits in enhancing fairness and match accuracy.
The technology has the potential to lead to excessive reliance, which may disrupt the flow of the game. Additionally, in some situations, it can be challenging to interpret, such as in cases of close-offsides.
“In addressing these challenges, comprehensive training for all involved parties is necessary. This training should ensure a clear understanding of the rules, usage procedures, and integration of VAR without disrupting the flow of the game,” stated the FTMM lecturer.
Hidden facts about VAR
Interestingly, the implementation of VAR can attract investors and sponsors due to the organization of professional and fair football matches. This can aid in increasing investments in Indonesian football by overseeing its implementation.
In conclusion, Rodik revealed some lesser-known facts about VAR. Although VAR is useful in decision-making, it turns out that not all incidents can be monitored by it. The VAR team will check situations that trigger doubts.
“The field referees can still maintain authority, choosing to accept or reject suggestions from the VAR team. The presence of VAR has influenced match strategies; players may be more cautious in committing fouls and seek advantage from ambiguous situations,” he remarked.
Hopefully, the use of VAR can improve football refereeing standards in Indonesia. It can also create a more professional environment and enhance Indonesia’s football reputation internationally.
Author: Maissy Ar Maghfiroh
Editor: Feri Fenoria
READ ALSO:
UNAIR Robotics and AI Engineering lecturer responds to Elon Musk’s brain-implanted chip
UNAIR Robotics Team wins 4th Place at KRTI VTOL
