Judging has always been the main pain point of football. Referee errors can cost teams titles. The pressure is at its peak at the World Cups. However, with the introduction of VAR and artificial intelligence, the number of errors has decreased. However, perfect refereeing does not exist. We tell you how FIFA is fighting for the ideal.

Video Assistant Referee (VAR)

VAR appeared in 2018. The system: a video assistant watches replays and advises the referee. When to intervene: goals (offensive infringement), penalties (foul), red cards, incorrect player identification. Advantages: the number of gross errors has decreased (by 40%). Disadvantages: disputes about interpretations (such as handball), long pauses (up to 2 minutes), destruction of emotions. At the 2022 World Cup, VAR cancelled 13 goals (of which 4 were correct cancellations?).

Improved VAR with artificial intelligence is expected at the 2026 World Cup.

Electronic offside system (semi-automatic)

A semi-automatic offside detection system appeared at the 2022 World Cup. How it works: 12 cameras, 29 points on the player's body. AI determines the moment of the pass and the position of the players. The decision is made in 30 seconds. Advantages: accuracy (errors in millimeters). Disadvantages: still controversial (there can be offside by 1 cm, which does not affect the game).

The system will be even faster (10 seconds) at the 2026 World Cup.

Ethical requirements

A referee must be impartial, physically prepared (run 10-12 km per match), and mentally resilient. Previously, referees from countries not participating in the tournament were appointed (for example, a Uruguayan referee officiates a match between Brazil and England). Now — there may still be conflicts due to enmity and prejudices. But FIFA checks referees with a polygraph (connections with bookmakers).

Refereeing errors are not unpunished: referees may be suspended after the World Cup.

Artificial intelligence in refereeing

In 2026, for the first time at the World Cup, an AI assistant will be used. It predicts offside, identifies simulations (falls without contact). For now, only tips, not decisions. In the future, AI may possibly replace referees completely. But there is resistance: "football is a human game".

Scandals with refereeing at the World Cup: 1986 — "the hand of God" (Maradona), 2002 — controversial penalty in the Spain goal, 2010 — Lampard's goal was not counted. VAR does not allow such blunders.

Referee training

Seminars start 2 years before the World Cup. Referees are shown controversial episodes, trained on simulators. They are tested on knowledge of the rules. Physical fitness tests. Psychological training (stadium pressure, press criticism). After the World Cup, the best referees receive the "Golden Whistle".

Perfect refereeing does not exist, but technology brings it closer to the ideal. The main thing is that the referee is fair and does not interfere with the game. For now, we will argue about penalties, offside, and VAR. This is part of football.

Permanent link to this publication: