Legendary referee Pierluigi Collina compares VAR crisis to 'seven-year itch' in marriage
Legendary football referee Pierluigi Collina, now head of FIFA’s refereeing committee, has drawn an unexpected parallel between modern technology and married life.
Details: Commenting on the growing criticism of the Video Assistant Referee system, Pierluigi Collina pointed out that the current debates around VAR are a natural phase of development.
“In Italy, they say that every great marriage goes through a crisis after seven years. It’s the same with people: they might fall in love with VAR, but after a few years there’s a bit of a crisis, just like in family relationships,” Collina noted.
Collina also reminded us that the journey of this technology began almost blindly. When the decision was made in 2016 to test the system, the protocol had to be written from scratch, drawing inspiration from other sports like rugby. At that time, video assistants had absolutely no experience working with such tools.
According to the Italian, the situation has changed dramatically today. If ten years ago the technology was experimental, now it has become an integral—albeit hotly debated—part of football. Collina stressed that the experience gained over the years allows the system to evolve, despite temporary difficulties and fans’ discontent.
The legendary referee is confident that, just like in a strong marriage, this crisis will be overcome, and the understanding between technology and the football community will only deepen. The main thing, he says, is to remember where it all started and how far referees have come since the first monitors appeared on the sidelines.
Reminder: An injury to Roma striker Evan Ferguson ended his spell at the Roman club—he will return to Brighton.
Steven Perez
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