German Football Trials VAR Announcements in Stadiums

Bundesliga refs will announce VAR decisions to fans in a trial aimed at boosting transparency, following similar efforts in rugby and the Women’s World Cup.

German Football to Trial VAR Announcements in Stadiums

In a move to boost transparency and fan understanding, German football will trial match officials announcing VAR decisions to stadium crowds in the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 this weekend. The system, already seen in other sports like rugby union and American football, aims to make the often-confusing VAR process more accessible for fans in attendance.

How the Trial Will Work

At five selected games on 1 and 2 February, referees will explain their decisions after reviewing incidents at the pitchside monitor or following a VAR recommendation to overturn a call. Nine clubs, including heavyweights like Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and Bayer Leverkusen, have volunteered to take part in the trial.

Ansgar Schwenken, the DFL’s director of match operation and fans, said the initiative aims to "increase the transparency of referee decisions" and "ensure greater understanding among the fans".

A Global Trend in Sports

VAR announcements are not a new concept in the wider sporting world. Rugby union and American football have long used stadium announcements to explain officiating decisions, while the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand also trialled the system.

England has already dipped its toes into the idea. In the Carabao Cup semi-finals, Stuart Attwell explained why Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke had a goal disallowed for offside against Liverpool on 8 January. The Premier League has also indicated plans to introduce in-game VAR announcements at some point this season.

The Matches to Watch

Fans attending this weekend’s Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 matches at participating clubs will witness the trial in action. With high-profile clubs like Bayern and Dortmund involved, all eyes will be on how the system impacts the in-game experience and whether it can effectively demystify VAR for fans.

A Step Forward for Transparency?

The VAR announcement trial marks a significant step towards greater transparency in football officiating. While some fans may remain sceptical about VAR as a concept, explaining decisions in real time could help bridge the communication gap and improve the matchday experience for supporters.

If successful, this initiative could set a new standard for how football leagues worldwide handle the often-contentious topic of VAR decisions.