Norway Leads the Way: Country Set to Become First in Europe to Ditch VAR

Norway's decision to potentially abandon VAR has made headlines worldwide, with fans and pundits praising the country's commitment to preserving the spirit of the game.

The international media has been praising Norway for taking a stand against the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. In a significant development, Norway's top football clubs voted against continuing the use of VAR, with 19 clubs opposing it and 13 voting in favor. According to a statement by Norsk Toppfotball, the organization that represents the 32 teams in Norway's top two divisions, the decision on the future of VAR will be made by the Norwegian soccer federation in March.

The news has generated significant interest globally, with prominent media outlets such as the New York Times, The Guardian, ESPN, The Times, and others reporting on the development. The South China Morning Post noted, “Football fans hoping to return to simpler times should try to support a club in Norway, where the backlash against VAR has truly begun.” Similarly, the Canadian Soccer Daily, Boston Globe, and Indian News9 have also reported on the story, with News9 explaining, “Whether this sets a precedent for other nations remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: In Norway, the voice of the football community is loud, united and determined to preserve the spirit of the game.”

Norway is set to become the first country to abandon VAR after 19 of its 32 clubs voted to scrap video refereeing in the country's top division.

Earlier this season, Rosenborg vs. Lillestrøm was abandoned because fans threw fish cakes and other items onto the pitch in protest.… pic.twitter.com/m0eRZQ255l

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 23, 2025

If Norway decides to abolish VAR, it will follow in the footsteps of Sweden, which became the first country to reject the introduction of VAR in its domestic league. The potential move has sparked a global debate about the effectiveness and impact of VAR on the game. As the Norwegian soccer federation prepares to make a decision in March, fans and pundits around the world will be watching with interest to see if Norway becomes the first European country to abandon the VAR system.