The impact of video assistant referee (VAR) on match performance variables at men’s FIFA World Cup tournaments

Abstract

This study explored how the video assistant referee (VAR) has influenced match performance variables at Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup tournaments. Comparative analysis was undertaken of matches played during the FIFA 2018 World Cup ( n = 64) tournament, where VAR was employed, and those played during the 2014 World Cup ( n = 64) tournament, where VAR was not employed. The following performance variables were recorded and analysed for each of the matches played: goals, penalties, corner kicks, yellow cards, red cards, offsides, playing time during the first half, playing time during the second half and total playing time. After the introduction of VAR, there were significant ( p < 0.05) increases in the number of penalties, as well as playing time during the first half, second half and total playing time. In contrast, a significant ( p < 0.05) decline was observed in the number of offsides after VAR was implemented. The current findings have practical implications for improvement of VAR implementation guidelines at FIFA World Cup competitions.