The Copa Libertadores returns with its most debated tool in a new edition, reinforcing its status as the premier club competition in South American football.
VAR has sparked mixed reactions across leagues, yet it remains in place to assist the central referee by clarifying controversial incidents. Over time, more leagues have adopted the technology to simplify decisions on the field, though protests and debates about its use persist in several matches.
In Argentina, VAR debuted during the eighth round of the 2022 Professional League Cup in the Colón versus Aldosivi game. Within minutes, referee Nicolás Lamolina consulted the VAR panel over a potential penalty for Aldosivi, signaling the growing influence of video review in managing tight calls.
Video arbitration is now a fixture of the Libertadores, the flagship CONMEBOL tournament, and it remains in use from the first phase through to the final whistle in the 2023 edition.
Copa Libertadores 2023: start date, broadcast ads, and match schedule
As in prior seasons, the competition employs a decentralized VAR model. Matches are not monitored from a single hub; instead, Video Operation Rooms (VOR) exist at each stadium to review incidents during knockout rounds.
VAR was introduced at Libertadores in the 2017 semifinals. It expanded to the quarterfinals in 2018 and to the round of 16 in 2019. The system has been used to review penalties and other pivotal moments in successive editions.
— GOAL in Spanish (@Goal_en_espanol) August 23, 2019
HOW IS VAR USED IN THE 2023 LIBERTADORES CUP?
- Getty Images
- All movements are captured by cameras. To ensure transparency, the VAR, assisted by a Reproduction Operator, has access to the official broadcast footage so reviews use the same images viewers see on their screens.
- All camera angles are directed to the Video Operator Room.
- The VAR evaluates each incident using the audiovisual material provided.
- The VAR informs the center referee of what was seen and may recommend an on-field review.
- The referee may request a review directly if needed.
THE STEPS TO FOLLOW IN THE VAR
Getty
For this technology to function effectively, the following steps are observed:
- An incident is identified and the VAR checks for a clear and obvious error.
- If a clear error is found, the VAR advises the referee to review the play.
- The referee accepts the VAR recommendation, signals the TV screen, and decides based on the information provided by the VAR or reviews the matter in the judging area.
WHAT DOES THE VAR REVIEW?
Getty
In the Libertadores and other competitions, video arbitration covers several situations:
GOALS
It is essential to verify beyond doubt that the ball fully crossed the line, that there were no fouls earlier, and that there was no offside play during the buildup.
TO PUNISH
Technology helps the whistle to avoid incorrect calls inside the penalty area.
RED CARDS
VAR checks ensure discipline is applied fairly, reviewing incidents a referee might have missed or misinterpreted.
IDENTITY ERRORS
When there is uncertainty about the offender or a player mistake occurs, VAR operators inform the referee of the correct decision.
The good news for 2023 is fans can watch the VAR footage and hear the dialogue between officials and technology operators in all CONMEBOL matches, increasing transparency in decision-making.
Which post did you like the most?
- Real Betty
- sao paulo
- cremonese
- Ajax
- Burnley
12023 to vote
Thank you for voting
The results will appear shortly.
Which post did you like the most?
- 51%Real Betty
- 12%sao paulo
- 5%cremonese
- 25%Ajax
- 7%Burnley
12023 to vote
Source: Goal