In the semi-final of the Finnish Cup, Valkeakoski is using VAR, i.e. video referee, for the first time today. During the rest of the season, the system will be used in a total of 11 matches.
Finnish football history is being made today in the semi-final of the Finnish Cup between FC Haka and FC Inter. VAR, which has been in use for years in most of the soccer-playing world, is also being used in Finland for the first time on Tehtaa’s pitch.
In Valkeakoski, there is a so-called VAR car, where referees watching situations on video help the referee judging on the field in judging unclear and difficult situations.
Top referee coach of the Swedish Football Association Mattias Gestranius according to the introduction of VAR is a very big deal.
– Football, and especially defensive play, changes radically with VAR. The players have to be more careful and they can’t play tricks behind the referee’s back, Gestranius opens.
According to him, the VAR car is a more affordable option than the so-called VAR center, familiar from the top leagues.
Referees working in VAR matches have received extra training this year to use the system. Gestranius praises top Finnish judges.
– We have chosen our best referees for both the field and the car. This will certainly not depend on professionalism, he emphasizes.
During the rest of the season, VAR will be used in a total of 11 matches in Finland. Gestranius hopes that VAR will be fully included in Finnish football as soon as possible.
– I cannot estimate when it will happen, Gestranius concludes.