RateTheRef

Whilst VAR hasn’t been without its confusion (we can think of a couple of penalty/non-penalty calls), it has been remarkably fast, efficient and non-obtrusive.

That will be immediately compared in Scotland, England, and the other VAR leagues in late December, with less than favourable reviews.

Of course, it will be ignored/forgotten that VAR in the WC has access to even more cameras, whilst having 4 x dedicated VAR officials, and operated by the very best referees in the world in all positions.  It will also absolutely be forgotten that the teams play in a far different manner, that manifestly requires fewer reviews.

VAR (by the sheer virtue of its existence) was always going to create the situation, but it is also remarkable how few red cards we’ve had in this World Cup.  I believe it remains just the one for Wales, which was effectively unavoidable given the nature of the challenge, and the ‘deliberate’ second caution for Cameroon.  There will be some expectation for that to continue back into the domestic game, but all the nuance will be immediately forgotten, laughably by the same pundits and commentators covering this competition.

Others will note the difference and then bemoan why we can’t do the same thing in England/Scotland/Germany/other.  Again, they’ll fail to address the underlying problem which is the cost, and levels of competition (i.e. it doesn’t matter how competitive your sport or occupation is, there will always be an upper echelon of abilities, which always makes the rest relatively less able).

That noted, the only method available to seriously improve the level of any sport or occupation substantially is to increase the numbers at the bottom of the pyramid.  That requires i) far more money at the grassroots level of the game, and ii) a massive change in mentality and culture of all involved in football.

Make it more competitive, and increase retention, and the entirety of the game will improve.