Live Video Assistant Referee (VAR) announcements will now be a permanent fixture across all Isuzu UTE A-League matches for the 2024-25 season, Australian Professional Leagues (APL) and Football Australia can confirm.
The decision comes following the successful introduction of the live VAR process during the 2023-24 Isuzu UTE A-League Finals Series.
Designed to bring more clarity and understanding of the decision making process, the innovation enables fans both in the stadium and watching the broadcast to hear the
match referee explain their final decision following any VAR review.
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Furthermore, the A-Leagues became the first league within the Asian Football Confederation to implement this process.
“The inclusion of live VAR announcements for the entire Isuzu UTE A-League season adds further transparency to the referees’ decision-making process – giving fans, players, and coaches more insight on matchday,” explained Football Australia’s Head of Referees, Jon Moss.
“Over the opening rounds of the Isuzu UTE A-League, we’ve already seen the successful
implementation of the process, which has been very well received.
“I would like to acknowledge the hard work and collaboration of the APL, A-Leagues clubs, host broadcasters and rights-holders, and the match officials for their commitment to this process and for delivering an in-game experience which enhances the product for fans and the game’s stakeholders.”
The process activates primarily when an on-field reviews occurs, which is where the referee reviews incidents directly from the pitch-side monitor.
Upon completion of a review, the referee will signal using the ‘TV’ signal.
Subsequently, the referee’s microphone will be activated, allowing both stadium attendees and broadcast viewers to hear the rationale for the decision before it is officially confirmed on the field.
When a factual review takes significant time before a decision is made, the referee will also make an announcement to explain the rationale.
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