In a recent Ecuadorian league match, the central referee Juan Carlos Andrade informed the captains of Orense SC and Mushuc Runa that the game would kick off without the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. This decision came after challenges with the transmission from the central cabin, which left the match without the technology designed to assist referees in making decisions. Captains Pedro Pablo Velasco of Orense SC and Argentine goalkeeper Brian Formento of Mushuc Runa were notified of this situation before the match began.

This incident is not isolated, as there have been similar difficulties reported in other matches throughout the Liga Ecuabet, notably during the encounter between Libertad FC and Barcelona SC just days earlier. The president of Liga Pro, Miguel Ángel Loor, expressed dissatisfaction following the revelation that nearly 10% of matches this year have experienced VAR failures, amounting to approximately 40 games affected. This has raised concerns about the reliability of the VAR system in Ecuadorian football, prompting criticism regarding the implementation and management of the technology.

The ongoing issues with VAR have prompted discussions about its effectiveness and the expectation of utilizing such technology in professional football. Fans and teams alike have emphasized the need for a dependable system to ensure fair play, particularly in crucial moments of matches where VAR could potentially alter the outcome. As the Ecuadorian league continues, the pressure mounts on officials and the governing bodies to resolve these recurring problems to uphold the integrity of the league and maintain supporter confidence.