VAR is a drone in the hands of unqualified pilots. It's no longer football
The article criticizes the ineffectiveness of the current VAR system in football, arguing that it undermines the spirit of the game and needs urgent reform.
The article from Il Giornale expresses deep frustration with the current state of officiating in Italian football, particularly concerning the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. It questions what further incidents are necessary to prompt the football governing bodies to acknowledge their shortcomings and convene all stakeholders to address this escalating crisis. The repetitive sentiments from players and coaches that 'this is no longer football' highlight a growing consensus that the way the game is officiated detracts from its essence.
The criticism extends beyond Italy, as the article points out that absurd rules are forcing defenders into unnatural positions which do not align with logical gameplay. It describes the theatricality of referee actions and the absurdity of VAR interventions—like assessing offside with the most minuscule body parts—as being detrimental to the spirit of the game. This portrayal of a system that seems dictated by selfish and vain power structures raises alarms over its impact on fair play and the authenticity of matches.
Moreover, the Inter team stands out as relatively quiet amid the uproar, currently boasting a significant lead in the league, which leaves other clubs to voice their grievances. As discussions around the ineffectiveness of VAR continue to ripple through the Italian football community, the article concludes that real reform is necessary to restore confidence among players, coaches, and fans alike, before the very essence of football is lost to bureaucracy and mismanagement.