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, errors have decreased. However, perfect refereeing does not exist. We tell you how FIFA struggles 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 (offense violation), penalties (foul), red cards, incorrect player identification. Pros: the number of gross errors has decreased (by 40%). Cons: disputes about interpretations (e.g., handball), long pauses (up to 2 minutes), destruction of emotions. At the 2022 World Cup, VAR canceled 13 goals (of which 4 were correct cancellations?).

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

Electronic offside system (semi-automatic)

The 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. Pros: accuracy (errors in millimeters). Cons: still controversial (there are offside by 1 cm that does not affect the game).

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

Ethical requirements

A referee must be impartial, physically fit (run 10-12 km per match), and psychologically resilient. Previously, referees from countries not participating in the tournament were appointed (e.g., 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, an AI assistant will be used for the first time at the World Cup. It predicts offside, identifies simulations (falls without contact). So far, only tips, not decisions. In the future, AI may completely replace referees. 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 against Spain, 2010 — Lampard's goal 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 checked on their knowledge of the rules. Physical endurance 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.

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