Scandinavian Nation Persists in VAR Rejection

Sweden’s top flight, the Allsvenskan, is still the only one of Europe’s top 30 ranked leagues not to use VAR.

The chief executive of reigning champions Malmo stated that the team views itself as a “leader” instead of being at risk of falling behind due to their refusal to embrace VAR technology. 

The Allsvenskan, Sweden’s premier football league, is the only one among Europe’s top 30 leagues that does not implement VAR due to opposition from the country’s clubs. 

English outfit Wolves called for a vote to remove VAR during the Premier League’s annual general meeting in the summer, however, the remaining 19 clubs voted in favour of retaining it. Niclas Carlnen, the CEO of Malmo, is pleased with the choice made in Sweden.

When asked whether supporters of VAR could view Sweden as possibly falling behind, he responded by saying, “Or maybe we are paving the way as a leader. We continue to have clubs that are owned by their members. The decision is made by the members.”

“This is one of the great ways that you can show (the value of) membership at clubs, what difference they actually make for decisions and in effects – as you said, we are the only ones. You have authenticity in Swedish football.

“I can see the benefits (of not using VAR). When a goal is scored, you let the feelings go, you don’t have to wait for a decision at a later stage. Of course, that means you have to accept that the decision is not always right.”

Site Opinion

Malmo & Sweeden as a whole are clearly unsure that VAR is a positive resource for referees, and could be afraid that if implemented, the standard of officiating will take a turn for the worse.

The Swedes certainly are the anomaly of Europe, as you’d think at this late stage of VAR’s existence, nearly every league-rich enough would have the technology installed within their top-flight.

As for its benefits, it gives officials the chance to re-think their decisions after a second look, which could be vital in the outcome of the game. In theory, this should make the referee’s decisions more accurate, especially when it is a game-changing decision like a penalty.

However, the Swedish leagues don’t make officials’ calls more accurate, and conclude that it creates more stoppage within the game. There also is an ambiguity around some of the rules, I.e, the handball rule. Referees should be able to make calls on the spot, and with VAR, they might second-guess themselves into a wrong decision.

The idea of VAR isn’t the worst by any means, as it has been brought in to support officials, but if you are Malmo and co, you have to ask the question, Does VAR actually help out referees?