Feb 9 • 23:01 UTC 🇮🇹 Italy La Repubblica

Boniek: “I never believed in VAR, referees with technology lack personality”

Zibì Boniek reflects on the influence of VAR technology in football, expressing skepticism about its effectiveness and suggesting that it diminishes referees' authority.

In a recent interview, Zibì Boniek, the renowned Polish football legend, expressed his long-standing skepticism towards the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology used in football. Speaking during the Milan presentation of the new docufilm 'Juventus Primo Amore', he highlighted that he feels referees have lost their personal touch and decisiveness since the introduction of technology in officiating. With his 70th birthday approaching, Boniek remains upbeat about his health and continues to actively engage in discussions about football's evolution, which reflects his passion for the sport.

Boniek's remarks are significant in the context of an ongoing debate within the football community regarding the impact of VAR on games. Many fans and former players alike have raised concerns about how technology has interfered with the human element of the game, often leading to controversial decisions that overshadow players' performances. As Boniek prepares to celebrate a personal milestone, his comments resonate within a sport grappling with balancing technological advancements and tradition.

The legendary footballer, who has been a key figure in Italian football, especially during his time with Juventus, aims to bring attention to the challenges referees face due to these technological aids. His perspective sheds light on a larger conversation about football's future and the importance of maintaining the sport's essence while adapting to modern demands. As VAR continues to evolve, football enthusiasts like Boniek urge stakeholders to reconsider how technology is integrated into match officiating, ensuring that it complements rather than complicates the game.

📡 Similar Coverage