UEFA Advances VAR for Women’s Champions League Quarter-Finalists

UEFA is progressing towards full Video Assistant Referees (VAR) integration in women’s club competitions, announcing plans to install VAR at three stadiums for the upcoming quarter-finals. The UEFA Women’s Champions League regulations have mandated VAR usage in knockout matches from the quarter-finals onwards for the past two seasons.

Historically, teams in the last eight predominantly hailed from England, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, where VAR is already established in men’s domestic matches. This allowed clubs to host matches at their main stadiums equipped with VAR. However, this season sees a more diverse quarter-final lineup, with teams from seven countries, including BK Häcken from Sweden. Sweden’s domestic league does not use VAR, prompting BK Häcken to install VAR at the Bravida Stadium specifically for the women’s Champions League quarter-finals, similar to their approach last summer during the men’s UEFA Champions League.

In Norway, VAR is mandatory only in the men’s top division, leading SK Brann to relocate their quarter-final against FC Barcelona to the smaller Åsane Arena due to renovations at Brann Stadium. FC Barcelona, accustomed to playing Champions League knockout matches at Camp Nou, will instead have VAR installed at their women’s club stadium, the Estadi Johan Cruyff.

The cost of implementing VAR has been estimated at around $125,000 per season. UEFA clarified that they cover all technology costs, including VAR operations, without impacting club prize money. Despite the availability of VAR at some clubs’ facilities, its use is restricted to the knockout stages, unlike the men’s competition, where it is mandatory throughout.

UEFA’s gradual plan for VAR introduction in both men’s and women’s competitions aims to address technical and logistical challenges. They intend to introduce VAR in the majority of matches, including the Uefa Women’s Nations League finals next year, while continuously evaluating its implementation in new competitions or stages.

Overall, UEFA’s steps towards VAR integration in women’s football highlight their commitment to enhancing the quality and fairness of the game at all levels.