Judging has always been the main pain point of football. Referee mistakes can cost teams titles. The pressure at World Cups is at its peak. However, with the introduction of VAR and artificial intelligence, mistakes have decreased. However, perfect refereeing does not exist. We tell you how FIFA is fighting for the ideal.

Video Assistant Referee (VAR)

VAR appeared in 2018. System: the video assistant watches replays and advises the referee. When to intervene: goals (offensive infringement), penalties (foul), red cards, incorrect player identification. Advantages: the number of gross mistakes has decreased (by 40%). Disadvantages: disputes about interpretations (e.g., handball), long pauses (up to 2 minutes), destruction of emotions. At the 2022 World Cup, VAR cancelled 13 goals (of which 4 were correct cancellations?).

VAR with artificial intelligence is expected at the 2026 World Cup.

Electronic offside system (semi-automatic)

A semi-automatic offside detection system appeared at the 2022 World Cup. How it works: 12 cameras, 29 points on the player's body. AI determines the moment of the pass and the position of the players. The decision is made in 30 seconds. Advantages: accuracy (mistakes in millimeters). Disadvantages: still controversial (there can be offside by 1 cm, which does not affect the game).

The system will be even faster (10 seconds) at the 2026 World Cup.

Ethical requirements

A referee must be impartial, physically prepared (run 10-12 km per match), and psychologically resilient. Previously, referees from countries not participating in the tournament were appointed (e.g., a Uruguayan referee officiates a match between Brazil and England). Now — there may still be conflicts due to animosity and prejudices. But FIFA checks referees with a polygraph (connections with bookmakers).

Refereeing mistakes are not unpunished: referees may be suspended after the World Cup.

Artificial intelligence in refereeing

In 2026, for the first time at the World Cup, an AI assistant will be used. It predicts offside, identifies simulations (falls without contact). For now, only suggestions, not decisions. In the future, AI may possibly replace referees completely. But there is resistance: "football is a human game".

Scandals with refereeing at the World Cup: 1986 — "God's hand" (Maradona), 2002 — controversial penalty against Spain, 2010 — Lampard's goal was not counted. VAR does not allow such blunders.

Referee training

Seminars begin 2 years before the World Cup. Referees are shown controversial episodes, trained on simulators. They check knowledge of the rules. Physical fitness tests. Psychological training (stadium pressure, press criticism). After the World Cup, the best referees receive the "Golden Whistle".

Perfect refereeing does not exist, but technology brings us closer to the ideal. The main thing is that the referee is fair and does not interfere with the game. For now, we will argue about penalties, offside, and VAR. This is part of football.

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