VAR in the Copa Libertadores 2023: when, how to use it and what you need to know

Many don’t like it, but the VAR It is here to stay and little by little most leagues installed this technology to solve questionable plays and make life easier for the central referee, although in many cases the controversy is growing.

In Argentina, it was launched for date 8 of the Professional League Cup 2022 in the match between Colón and Aldosivi. Barely 15 minutes passed when referee Nicolás Lamolina went to the VAR panel to review a possible penalty in favor of the shark.

Video arbitration has been implemented in the Libertadores cupthe Conmebol event par excellence, and despite the great complaints its place is secured for the 2023 edition from phase 1 and until the end of the match.

Copa Libertadores 2023: when it starts, ads and match schedule

As in the previous tournament, a decentralized model of the Video Assistant Refereemeaning that the matches are not followed from a common place, but rather one Video Operating Rooms (VOR rooms) in each stadium where the knockout matches take place.

HOW IS THE VAR USED IN THE 2023 LIBERTADORES CUP?

• Getty Images
• Every movement is captured by cameras. To ensure transparency, the VAR, assisted by a Reproduction Operator, has access to all the official cameras of the television broadcast, so that any review will use the same images as the viewers see on their television.
• All angles are sent to the Video Operator Room.
• The VAR assesses the incident on the basis of the audiovisual material sent.
• The VAR informs the central referee of what he has seen and/or recommends an on-field assessment.
• The arbitrator is authorized to request a review directly.

THE STEPS TO FOLLOW IN THE VAR

Getty

In order for this technology to do its job, you need to follow these steps:

1. An incident occurs and the VAR checks whether there is a clear and obvious error.
2. If there is a clear and obvious mistake, the VAR advises the referee to review the situation.
3. The referee accepts the VAR recommendation by signaling the TV screen and chooses to make a decision based solely on the information received from the VAR or watch the game in the judging area.

WHAT DOES THE VAR REVIEW PLAY?

Getty

In the Copa Libertadores as well as in other competitions, video arbitration can be used in the following cases:

GOALS

Here it is necessary to check thoroughly and with complete assurance that the ball has completely crossed the line, that there were no previous fouls or that there was a forward position during play.

TO PUNISH

Technology assists the central whistle so that no wrong decisions are made when playing within the penalty area.

RED CARDS

To enforce justice in each match, the VAR may step in to check the exclusions presented in each match. The actions that deserve a card and that the referee has not observed are also judged.

IDENTITY ERRORS

In the event that a guilty player is cautioned or sent off or there is simply no certainty about the offender, the VAR operators can inform the whistler of the correct decision.

The good news regarding the integration of VAR in the Copa Libertadores 2023 is that fans will be able to see the footage of the video arbitration and listen to the dialogue between whistlers and those responsible for the technology in all Conmebol matches. This aims at more transparency in the assessment of plays.