The inaugural game of Copa America 2021 is around the corner and teams are getting ready to begin their path in the exciting South American competition. Two years after the last edition that also took place in Brazil, many people may wonder if VAR will be used once again.
Ten nations will be ready to kick off their journey towards the highly desired trophy in what will be the 47th edition of the oldest soccer national team competition. Throughout history, many changes have taken place, such as dates, format, and even participant teams.
Withtechnology innovations in the past years and the consensus for a tool that enables to make fairer decisions in soccer matches, the employment of Video Assistant Referee has been approved by FIFA and Conmebol hasadopted it as well.
IsCopa America 2021 having VAR?
South America’s soccer governing body introduced the modern instrument into its competitions in 2017, in that year’s Copa Libertadores semifinals. From that very first moment on, its use has been surrounded with controversy.
For the second straight time in Brazil, Copa America 2021 will have VAR. Even though itsapplicationhas led to harsh criticism not only in South America but anywhere else, as the soccer community seemed quite reluctant to accept it, competitions have began to use it anyways seeking to help referees and reduce possible mistakes.
Matches being delayed, controversial decisions by the VAR referees, and an alleged threat to the soul of the sport were among the many reasons why fans stood against the Video Assistant Refereepractice. The experience in Brazil 2019 didn’t turn out well either. For instance, the semifinal matchup between the hostsand Argentina was in the eye of the storm after the Albiceleste’s players and fans complained aboutunfair use of the tool. Overall, it was used 17 times throughout the tournament, with 15 of those leading to a change in the ref’s decision, which not always made fans happy.
However, new things don’t always get off to the best start, and it would be unfair to forget the fact that it was VAR’s first time in such an important event. Two years later, there havebeen continuous improvements andfurthercapacitation for video assistant referees, which is why this second experience might be better and alsokey to help refs in making the right calls.