A view of the video assistant refereeing (VAR) operation room at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia International Broadcast Centre (IBC) in Moscow on June 9, 2018. (Photo by Mladen ANTONOV / AFP) (Photo credit should read MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/Getty Images)

MOSCOW REGION, RUSSIA – JUNE 9, 2018: The FIFA VAR room at the 2018 World Cup International Broadcast Center (IBC) in the Crocus Expo International Exhibition Centre ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup Russia 2018. Mikhail Japaridze/TASS (Photo by Mikhail JaparidzeTASS via Getty Images)

The VAR; this is a new born to the world of football and even newer to the World Cup. The Video Assistant Referee a team of 3 that comprises of a referee, an assistant and a replay operator which is designed to help review decisions made by the referee on the field of play with four types of decisions laid on the table. They are goals (and violations in the build-up to them), penalties, red cards and mistaken identity in awarding a card.

Also the only way a decision made on the pitch can be overturned is if and only if it is a “clear error”, maybe this is the loophole that gives them a bit of deniability. Now the big question is has there been a change for the better in the world of football with the introduction of the VAR or are there more controversies than before?

On the 14^th of June, the Russia 2018 World Cup kicked off with everyone looking towards an exciting tournament; but little did we know that the attention towards VAR would eclipse the game itself. We approach the tail end of the group stages and so far there have been a total of 24 penalty kicks awarded with the assistance of the VAR. Some would say that’s good right? It seems to be doing its work the VAR…But the major talking points would be the incidents the VAR turned a blind eye to with the whole world watching.  Hence the question, what is the role of the VAR? do they play judge, jury and executioner or does the referee on the field of play take that role even after evidence has been placed on the table. Is there something more to their decision making we know nothing about? Maybe this is where they play their loophole card..

One thing is for sure, some voiced their thoughts on VAR making the sport less entertaining but opposite has been the case in this world cup tournament on a positive note the topic on VAR causing a delay in the game was put to bed as it was discovered that it takes less time to check than most as it clocks an average of 31secs per match compared to others like the goal kick, throw-in etc (https://www.thedailystar.net/fifa-world-cup-2018/it-not-var-slows-down-world-cup-matches-1596745). This world cup has definitely gathered more arguments and talking points as the VAR takes centre stage.