BBC says live VAR audio for fans is still a long way off

Almost ten years into VAR, fans still can’t hear the live audio from the video assistant referee during checks, BBC Sport reports. While TV viewers can follow what VAR officials are saying, supporters at stadiums often remain without the same context.

The piece highlights recent contentious moments. It recalls Old Trafford, where few in the 74,161 crowd would have understood the offside details behind Erling Haaland’s goal because the decisive VAR information wasn’t shared live with the ground. Instead, broadcasters on TV were able to relay what happened in the VAR room, which helped explain how Manchester City edged the match 1-0.

On Saturday, BBC Sport says a similar “dark” feeling remained at Selhurst Park after Crystal Palace defender Axel Disasi was sent off for serious foul play in the 3-2 defeat to Ipswich Town. The Chelsea loanee reportedly stood by the pitch for over a minute while VAR checked the red-card call, but those inside the ground were not given the same audio information.

Push for transparency

BBC Sport points to promises of greater openness. It notes that Howard Webb, appointed referees chief for the Premier League in 2022, pledged more transparency and built on initiatives such as the Match Officials Mic’d Up VAR TV show, described as a trailblazer in top European leagues.

The rules are the sticking point

However, the outlet says attempts to bring VAR audio directly into live matches haven’t gained traction. BBC Sport adds that no consensus can be reached among some leagues and lawmakers.

It also explains why the change is difficult for IFAB, and specifically FIFA: concerns include worldwide communication quality, extra pressure during reviews, and the risk that referee credibility could be affected. Lukus Brud, IFAB’s secretary and chief executive, told BBC Sport that allowing audio to be played live would be “chaotic” because of how many people would be talking.

The article notes Webb’s unique role, citing that in August 2020 during the MLS is Back Tournament, MLS became the first league to broadcast live VAR audio during matches. It was viewed as a success, but BBC Sport says no further experiments have followed.

Meanwhile, the Premier League has tried alternatives such as RefCam with live audio and the publication of VAR-referee discussion transcripts, and it has moved to announce VAR decisions. But Mic’d Up VAR remains monthly. BBC Sport concludes that, even if live VAR audio is eventually allowed, many checks still happen while play continues—so commentators wouldn’t be expected to stop speaking—yet other incidents happen during stoppages where sharing audio could be possible.