Explore the most controversial and game-changing VAR decisions in football history. Discover how technology redefined the sport and its biggest moments.
VAR Decisions That Changed Football History Forever
When Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology was officially introduced into top-level football, it promised one thing: more accurate decisions to ensure fairness on the pitch. Since then, VAR has not only redefined how referees officiate the game, but it has also rewritten football history, sparking fierce debates and unforgettable moments that have shaped competitions and legacies alike.
Love it or hate it, VAR is here to stay. From offside calls that eliminated teams in World Cups to penalty decisions that gifted titles, this technological system has altered the trajectory of clubs, countries, and careers.
In this article, we break down the most impactful VAR decisions ever made—those that truly changed the game.
🧠 What Is VAR and How Does It Work?
Before diving into the major moments, it’s worth understanding how VAR operates.
VAR is used for four types of decisions:
- Goals and offsides
- Penalty decisions
- Straight red cards
- Mistaken identity
The system involves video assistants who monitor footage and communicate with the on-field referee, who can review the play via a pitchside monitor.
While intended to eliminate clear errors, it has sometimes added new layers of controversy, especially regarding subjective interpretation and consistency.
🔥 Most Controversial VAR Decisions in Football History
Let’s take a look at some of the most dramatic and influential VAR moments to date.
⚽ 1. Sterling’s Goal Disallowed – Champions League 2019
Match: Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur (Quarterfinal, 2nd leg)
Competition: UEFA Champions League
Date: April 17, 2019
In one of the most chaotic endings in football history, Raheem Sterling appeared to send Manchester City to the semifinals in stoppage time. The Etihad erupted.
But seconds later, VAR ruled that Sergio Agüero was offside in the build-up. The goal was chalked off, and Tottenham advanced on away goals.
Impact:
- City’s European dream crushed
- Massive momentum shift for Spurs, who went on to reach the final
- Sparked huge debate about offside margins and VAR usage in such tight calls
🧤 2. France’s Penalty vs Croatia – World Cup Final 2018
Match: France vs Croatia
Competition: FIFA World Cup Final
Date: July 15, 2018
With the match finely poised at 1–1, Ivan Perišić was penalized for a handball after a lengthy VAR review. Antoine Griezmann converted the penalty, putting France ahead 2–1 in a match they would go on to win 4–2.
Impact:
- First World Cup final influenced by VAR
- Handball decision remained controversial
- Set the tone for VAR’s presence on the global stage
❌ 3. Argentina’s Offside Goal vs Saudi Arabia – World Cup 2022
Match: Argentina vs Saudi Arabia
Competition: FIFA World Cup
Date: November 22, 2022
Lionel Messi scored a goal that was ruled offside after a razor-thin call using semi-automated VAR technology. The decision halted Argentina’s momentum in a match they shockingly lost 2–1.
Impact:
- One of the tournament’s biggest upsets
- Forced Argentina to fight harder through the group stage
- Sparked new debate on offside tech precision
🟥 4. Federico Valverde’s Red Card Overturned – La Liga 2023
Match: Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao
Competition: La Liga
Date: February 2023
Valverde was initially shown a red card for a high tackle, but after VAR review, the decision was downgraded to yellow. The incident would’ve left Real Madrid with 10 men in a tight title race.
Impact:
- Helped Real secure all three points
- Influenced standings in the title race
- Highlighted VAR’s influence beyond just goals
🥅 5. PSG vs Manchester United – Champions League 2019
Match: Paris Saint-Germain vs Manchester United
Competition: UEFA Champions League (Round of 16)
Date: March 6, 2019
In the 94th minute, with PSG leading on aggregate, Diogo Dalot’s shot struck Presnel Kimpembe’s arm. After VAR review, a penalty was awarded to United. Marcus Rashford converted, and United pulled off a historic comeback.
Impact:
- Knocked out tournament favorites PSG
- Gave Ole Gunnar Solskjær the full-time manager job
- One of the earliest high-profile examples of VAR dramatically shifting knockout ties
🧤 6. Chelsea’s Goal Disallowed for Offside – FA Cup Final 2020
Match: Chelsea vs Arsenal
Competition: FA Cup Final
Date: August 1, 2020
Christian Pulisic had what appeared to be a game-tying goal disallowed due to an offside call on the build-up. Arsenal held on to win 2–1.
Impact:
- Gave Arsenal their 14th FA Cup
- Denied Chelsea a domestic trophy
- Highlighted the precision and controversy of VAR in finals
🟥 7. Euro 2020: Denmark’s Penalty vs England
Match: England vs Denmark
Competition: UEFA Euro 2020 (Semifinal)
Date: July 7, 2021
Raheem Sterling won a controversial penalty after minimal contact. After a VAR review, the decision stood, and Harry Kane scored on the rebound. England advanced to the final.
Impact:
- Denmark felt robbed of a historic upset
- England reached their first major final since 1966
- VAR’s role in “soft penalties” came under fire
🤔 Is VAR Helping or Hurting Football?
Arguments in Favor:
- Corrects clear errors
- Adds transparency
- Boosts fairness in high-stakes situations
- Encourages better decision-making by defenders
Criticisms:
- Breaks the flow of the game
- Inconsistent interpretations (especially handball/offside)
- Ruins emotional moments with delays
- Still relies on human judgment
The truth? VAR is not perfect—but it’s evolving. With improved technology, training, and clearer protocols, the system can become more efficient and accepted.
📺 The Evolution of VAR Technology
VAR is getting smarter with time. FIFA introduced semi-automated offside technology in 2022, using AI and 3D modeling for faster and more accurate decisions.
What’s next?
- Integration with wearable tech and real-time data
- More transparency through live audio and referee explanations
- Better fan engagement through stadium screens and app updates
As the game evolves, so too will the tools that govern it.
⚽ Support the Spirit of the Game. Support Football.
Whether you support VAR or not, its impact on football is undeniable. It has changed how matches are played, how fans react, and how history is written. The controversy, the precision, the heartbreak—all reflect a modern era where technology meets tradition.
So as we continue to debate its decisions and wait nervously for those on-screen reviews, let’s remember that it all comes from a shared passion for the game.
Support fair play. Support great moments. Support Aw8.
Keep update with the latest football news.
